From Access to Discovery: Tactile Data Art for Blind and Visually Impaired Audiences

Authors

Rhiannon Sian Owen (Bangor University), Jonathan C Roberts (Bangor University)

Abstract

Accessible data visualisation often focuses on providing non- visual access to information, prioritising information retrieval over broader experiences of exploration and discovery. We investigate how tactile data art can extend accessibility beyond information ac- cess to support curiosity, engagement, and shared experiences. We present a multimodal tactile data artwork communicating women’s grassroots football participation in Wales through Braille, raised structures, physical objects, text, and colour. We evaluated the arte- fact with seven blind and visually impaired participants using an accessible qualitative questionnaire. Participants described tactile interaction as supporting understanding, exploration, memorabil- ity, and enjoyment, and perceived the artefact as both an artwork and an educational tool. Our findings suggest that accessible data visualisation can move from access towards discovery, with multi- modal data art creating opportunities for people with different sen- sory abilities to explore and experience data within a shared arte- fact.