Shopping Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments
Hi! I’m a Year 12 Design and Technology 25/26 student currently starting and working on my Major Design Project. This survey is part of a Year 12 Design and Technology Major Design Project (MDP).The purpose of this research is to explore the challenges faced by people with visual impairments when shopping independently. By understanding the specific difficulties, frustrations, and preferences of individuals, this research will help inform the development of a practical, inclusive, and user centred design solution.Your responses will provide primary research to support the design process, helping to identify real world problems, user needs, and opportunities for improvement in retail accessibility. This data will be used to guide design decisions, refine potential solutions, and ensure the final product is functional, meaningful, and truly supportive of people with vision impairment.Participation in this survey is completely anonymous, and all information will be used solely for educational purposes within the MDP. Your insights are highly valued and will directly influence the understanding of accessibility issues and the development of potential solutions.The survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete. It includes a combination of multiple-choice, rating, and open-ended questions, so you can share both your experiences and suggestions for improvement.Thank you for taking the time to participate your contribution is essential in creating a more accessible, independent, and inclusive shopping experience for people with visual impairments.
SECTION 1 – Background Information
Age Range
*
Under 18
18–29
30–49
50–70
70+
Level of Vision
*
No light perception / total blindness
Light perception only
Form perception / hand motion vision
Low vision / partial sight
Mild vision impairment / corrected vision
Can you or do you shop independently
*
Yes
No
If 'Yes' in previous response How often do you shop independently?
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
What types of shopping do you most commonly do?
*
Grocery shopping
Clothing / fashion
Household / technology items
Online shopping
Other
SECTION 2 — In-Store Shopping Experience
How confident do you feel shopping independently in physical stores? 1️⃣ Not confident → 5️⃣ Very confident
*
Not confident
1
2
3
4
Very confident
5
1 is Not confident, 5 is Very confident
What are your biggest challenges when shopping in-store? Please select all that apply to you!
*
Reading product labels or prices
Finding specific aisles or store sections
Distinguishing between similar products
Using self-checkouts
Navigating crowded or unfamiliar layouts
Asking for assistance from staff
Other
Please describe any specific experiences or difficulties you’ve faced when shopping.
*
What methods or tools do you currently use to overcome these challenges? (e.g. mobile apps, tactile markers, store staff assistance, family/friends)
*
Do you currently use any assistive technologies when shopping?
*
Yes, regularly
Occasionally
No
If yes, which assistive tools or apps do you use? (e.g. Seeing AI, Be My Eyes, Braille labelling, magnifiers, voice assistants)
How effective do you find these assistive tools? 1️⃣ Not effective → 5️⃣ Extremely effective
Not effective
1
2
3
4
Extremely effective
5
1 is Not effective, 5 is Extremely effective
SECTION 3 — Accessibility and Design Preferences
In your opinion, how accessible are most Australian retail stores for visually impaired shoppers?
*
Very accessible
Somewhat accessible
Neutral
Not very accessible
Not accessible at all
What changes or improvements would make the shopping experience easier and more inclusive for you? Please select all that apply to you!
*
Clearer store signage or tactile floor paths
Audio navigation or voice-guided store maps
Consistent store layouts
Braille or raised product labelling
Better-trained staff for accessibility awareness
Smart devices or apps for product recognition
Other
Would you consider using a new product that improves accessibility and independence when shopping?
*
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Maybe
Probably not
Definitely not
Please describe how an improved system or product could change your confidence or independence when shopping.
*
SECTION 4 — Reflection and Feedback
What emotions do you typically feel when shopping? Please select all that apply to you!
*
Confidence and independence
Anxiety or frustration
Embarrassment
Overwhelm or disorientation
Satisfaction
Other
How long does a typical shopping trip take compared to a sighted person?
*
About the same time
Slightly longer
Significantly longer
Unsure
Would you be willing to participate in future user testing or provide feedback on potential designs?
*
Yes
No
Maybe
If selected 'yes' in question above please provide your contact details if you are happy to be contacted for future user testing or follow up survey. PLEASE NOTE: This part is NOT required and only those who consented will be contacted. Your information will only be used to contact you regarding this project and will NOT be shared.
Any final comments, ideas, or suggestions about shopping accessibility?
Submit
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