Abstract
This study investigates the mobile application experiences of visually impaired individuals in Singapore through an exploratory qualitative design with 12 participants. It examines usability barriers and enablers in gesture-based navigation, non-visual information delivery, and the emotional impacts of inaccessible design. In-depth interviews revealed five themes: (1) reliance on screen readers limited by inconsistent app design; (2) navigation difficulties from unpredictable interfaces; (3) cognitive overload from cluttered layouts and unlabelled elements; (4) emotional strain linked to loss of independence, anxiety, and frustration; and (5) the influence of Singapore’s digital ecosystem and institutional practices. Thematic analysis highlighted critical gaps where essential services such as food delivery and banking remain inaccessible. Recommendations include standardising gestures, simplifying navigation, integrating audio and haptic feedback, and enabling voice commands. Beyond technical fixes, the study underscores the need for participatory design, localisation of global guidelines, and supportive policies. Findings call for a human-centred approach that prioritises clarity, consistency, and emotional well-being, concluding that accessibility requires empathy, local context, and ongoing collaboration. This work offers a framework for inclusive app development in Singapore and points to broader, long-term research on the emotional and behavioural impacts of accessible design.
