The current advances in human–smartphone user interface design: An opportunity for people with vision loss

Dear Editor, In today’s modern society, smartphones play an important role and are becoming an integral part of our lives. There has been substantial growth in mobile technology in recent times from a simple basic phone to one with smart touchscreen technology along with various applications and features. With the advancement in research on “human–computer interaction,” smartphones are incorporated with a new innovative user interface design, making it possible for a truly eyes-free interaction.[1] Various innovations in the use of alternative body senses, such as gestures, haptic, and audio substitute the need for a good vision function to interact with mobile devices.[2] Such a new interface design significantly improves the accessibility of the smartphones for individuals living with visual impairment. Such advances in mobile technology provide digital inclusion for people with visual impairment and can play an important role in changing their lives.[3] Martiniello et al.’s[4] study has shown that smartphones with their accessible user interface design have replaced many traditional assistive device solutions to a great extent in doing routine activities in persons with visual impairment.