An Argument for Using Sensor Technologies in the Sociotechnical Contexts of People with Visual Disabilities

Today, various sensor technologies are available for users to keep track of daily living activities for a good quality of life; however, there has been a lack of attention paid to users with visual disabilities. This article aims at discussing the optimized implementation of sensor technologies by considering holistic contexts of users with visual disabilities in everyday life, i.e., macroergonomics approach. In contrast to conventional approaches, the macroergonomics approach focuses on the application of human capabilities, limitations, and preferences to the work system design by considering various sociotechnical contextual variables (people, tasks, technological and environmental variables) as well as interactions between these variables and by ensuring the work system in harmony. This article offers a set of checklists useful for researchers and professionals in designing, developing, and implementing sensor technologies to secure safety, usability, and accessibility to users with visual disabilities.