Accessible Circuit Diagrams

Abstract

This study describes the design and development of tools that aim to make circuit schematics more accessible to visually impaired and blind students. A circuit schematic is a graphical representation of an electrical circuit, typically in the form of an image, consisting of wires and components that show the connections present. As part of this study, two solutions were developed. The first solution, a software-based solution, called “NetlistToText”, was designed to comprehensively describe nodal connections, such that the circuit description is used as a substitute for the equivalent graphical representation in academic material. By accessing the circuit descriptions in the alt-text of circuit diagrams, screen readers may interpret previously inaccessible information. The second solution, a tactile-based solution, was designed to make circuit schematics more accessible to users through touch, allowing them to understand and develop their own circuit layouts. Interviews with visually impaired and blind candidates were conducted to determine the usability of the software solution and to determine how comprehensive the generated circuit descriptions are, so that NetlistToText can be used as a learning tool for Electrical and Electronic Engineering undergraduate students.

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