Functionality versus Inconspicuousness: Attitudes of People with Low Vision towards OST Smart Glasses

Recent advances in smart glasses technologies bare tremendous potential for people with low vision. In particular, the use of optical-see through smart glasses has been gaining momentum in the field. We examined how these devices are perceived by low vision people and factors that might influence their wide-scale adoption. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 low vision participants. We asked participants about desired functionalities, aesthetics (including wearing in public versus in private), preferred interaction mode, and willingness to carry support devices for increased functionality. We found that the majority of participants in this study preferred a compact device that looks most similar to a normal pair of glasses, preferred buttons as an inconspicuous mode of interaction, and are willing to carry support devices up to the size of a tablet to increase the functionality of the device. Our results underscore the importance of striking a balance between functionality and aspects such as inconspicuousness in terms of both aesthetics and device interaction, and inform further development of this promising technology.