Tactile Exploration Strategy

A systematic approach or pattern that a person uses when exploring tactile graphics, maps, or other touch-based representations. Research has identified several distinct strategies: "following outlines" (tracing the borders of shapes), "saccade" (jumping between specific zones), "systematic scan" (methodically exploring from top to bottom or left to right), "random scan" (exploring without regard to tactile or audio cues), and "reach a goal" (navigating directly to a previously identified zone). Understanding these strategies is important for designing effective tactile displays and educational materials, as different illustration types may favour different exploration approaches, and users may switch strategies depending on whether they are freely exploring or answering specific questions.