Research Question
How might we help visually impaired people experience the joy and excitement of watching sports independently?
Research Goal
To identify the information gaps that prevent visually impaired people from fully engaging with sports and discover opportunities to bridge those gaps through accessible design.
Outcome
Ballhere is an accessible sports-viewing solution that translates live match information into tactile feedback for visually impaired fans.
Concept Video - After effect
Generative Research
What is the overall experience of watching soccer for visually impaired fans?
What challenges prevent them from fully enjoying a match?
Methods : In-depth Interview, Observation
Participants
16 Individuals
+ With visual impairment
+ In Siheung Welfare Center for People with Disabilities
Data Collection
Mode: In-person interview, Observational Research
Format: 15 mins 1 :1 interviews
Contextual Inquiry
Observed participants while watching soccer matches
Recorded behaviors, reactions, and information-seeking patterns
Research Insights
Most of individuals with visual impairment rely on the auditory information when they watch a soccer game.
However, compared to other sports, a soccer game runs fast and it hinders those visually impaired to understand the game only through the commentary.
Other Mentioned Challenges
The difficulty with controlling a TV
Not knowing where they broadcast a game
The fast tempo of a game
The reduction of the radio industry
Most Frequently Mentioned Challenges
Difficulty imagining game situations
Reliance on others for explanations
Lack of detailed commentary
89%
Do not regularly watch sports games
7%
Do not regularly watch sports games
61%
Do not regularly watch sports games
Datapoints
Journey Map (Adobe illustrator)
Key opportunities
The biggest drop in satisfaction occurred when users relied solely on audio commentary to understand the game.
Users needed a way to independently understand game situations without relying on others.
Users tend to lean toward the TV screen when crowd noise or commentary suggests a key moment in the match.
Understanding the ball's position and movement from commentary alone was one of the most frequently reported challenges.
Solution - Ballhere
The key function of this product is haptic interaction provided through a vibrating element in the shape of Braille, which is familiar to the visually impaired.
Based on research on usability obtained through mock-ups, I adjusted the functions and size of the product to enable the visually impaired to actively and comfortably watch a soccer game.
3-1. User Story with Ballhere (Adobe illustrator)
To map users’ emotions, thoughts, and pain points throughout a soccer match and uncover opportunities for intervention.
3-2. Idea Sketch
The location of the ball is the key information provided in the game commentary. Ballhere offers users the information about the ball, which is collected by sensors, through vibrations in various patterns.
3-3. 3D Modeling (NX10, Keyshot)
3-4. Prototype
Built a prototype to validate the concept with visually impaired users.
3-5. Prototype (Adobe illustrator)
To develop a consistent haptic language that translates ball movement, position, and height into vibration patterns, enabling visually impaired users to understand game situations through touch.
3-6. Applying Voiceover system for app support (Figma)
People with visual impairments use mobile apps far more frequently than many people might expect. Through our interviews, we found that the importance of VoiceOver functionality was repeatedly emphasized.
Based on this insight, I designed the BallHere app service with VoiceOver support integrated into the user experience.
