Questionnaire

The questionnaire is divided into five sections:

  1. Background Information
  2. Identification of the Problem
  3. Details for the Implementation of the Device
  4. Portability and Convenience of the Device
  5. Direct Input from the subject
Section A: Background Information
  1. Do you know how to type?
  2. Have you ever used a computer?
  3. Do you currently have access to computers?
  4. Have you been blind since birth? If not, how old were you when you became blind, and what were the circumstances behind it?
Section B: Identification of the Problem
  1. What places do you usually go to? How often do you go there?
  2. Do you ever lose your way when going there? What causes you to lose your way? How often?
  3. What do you do when you lose your way?
  4. Can you easily understand the directions obtained from the strangers?
  5. Do you experience any other problems when you are seeking help? What kind of problem do you have?
  6. Are you comfortable seeking help from a stranger?
  7. If you need to visit places you have never been before, what do you do?
Section C: Details for the Implementation of the Device
  1. Do you know the name of street you are on when you are making a trip?
  2. Are you familiar with distance unit, like feet, yards or miles? If I tell you that you need to walk about 100 feet to reach the destination, do you know how much you need to walk in order to reach that place?
  3. Are you familiar with directions, like east, south, west and north? If I tell you that you are on M Street and facing North, are you able to know which way you need to go then? If I tell you that you are on M Street and facing North and you need to go west, are you able to know which way you need to go then?
  4. Are you familiar with directions, like left, right, front and back?
  5. Do you have problems identifying blocks of streets? If I tell you that you need to go forward for three blocks and turn right, will you be able to find your way?
  6. How do you identify your way? What kinds of directions do you memorize? (like steps, feet or blocks and right/left or east/south/west/north)
  7. If you lose your way, what kind of information do you need (or you want to get) in order to resume your trip?
Section D: Portability and Convenience
  1. Have you ever used a headphone? Do you like them?
  2. Will it bother you if you have to wear a headphone during your trip?
  3. Are you able to find your way if you have to listen to instructions and walking at the same time?
  4. How do you locate an item in your home?
  5. Have you ever lost an item on the street? How do you find them?
Section E: Direct Input from the subject
  1. Do you want a device, which can give you your present location on the street? Will it help you a lot if you have one?
  2. Do you want a device, which can give you directions to your destination? Will it help you a lot if you have one?
  3. What kind of information do you want if you lose your way during your trip? What kinds of directions do you want? How much details?
  4. If we create a device, which can give you directions to your destination, how much are you willing to pay for it to obtain one?