This thesis explores the challenges faced by students with vision impairment in accessing visual educational content, with the goal of designing an inclusive tool to enhance their learning experience. Adopting a human-centered design approach backed with value-sensitive design, the research methodology combined qualitative and quantitative techniques including interviews, surveys, and design ethnography. These methods provided insights into the lived experiences of visually impaired students, revealing difficulties in comprehending complex visual data and feelings of exclusion from the academic community.

The design process was structured around four key phases – Exploration, Ideation, Iteration, and Implementation. The Exploration phase involved in-depth user research to identify needs and values. Ideation generated numerous concepts, with a focus on converting visual content into accessible multisensory formats. Iteration prototyped and tested these concepts to refine the designs based on user feedback. Finally, Implementation delivered the high-fidelity prototype – an AI-powered platform called “InsightSpace” that integrates with the Brightspace LMS.

Key features of InsightSpace include the “InsightOut” tool which leverages AI to interpret and narrate visualizations, and the Envision Ally community portal that facilitates collaborative learning. The concept aligns with design values like accessibility, inclusiveness, personalization, and community identified through the research. Evaluation metrics focus on usability, user satisfaction, and platform effectiveness in conveying visual information.

The thesis concludes that InsightSpace demonstrates the potential of inclusive design and assistive technology in transforming educational experiences. It underscores the importance of multifaceted research and continuous user involvement in developing empathetic solutions.
The platform marks progress in the mission to create learning environments where students with vision impairment can thrive alongside their sighted peers.