Investigating short video consumption practices by individuals with visual impairments in China: questions of how to ‘see’

Abstract

Human visual experience is increasingly mediated.As technology facilitates the sharing of diverse images, understanding the world through photography and videos is crucial.However, visuality affects the digital existence of communities with visual impairments.Focusing on the short-video consumption of individuals with visual impairments, this study examines their media experiences in a visually dominant society.Considering its social and technical setting, China is the ideal research site.Using constructivist grounded theory, we implemented open coding on raw data, highlighting initial categories associated with the usage of short-video applications.Contrary to the perception that those with visual impairments are more likely to use auditory-focused devices, we found that this population uses short video apps for entertainment, work, and social interactions and found design barriers and limited accessibility to be additional challenges.This study explains how digital media promotes inclusion and suggests possibilities for more inclusive digital-media development. Points of interest• In today's society, where visual information is pervasive, the ways in which people with visual impairments engage with media are often overlooked.• This study explores how people with visual impairments in China consume short videos.Despite facing challenges in watching these videos, they are able to engage with short video apps by listening to audio and using touch screen functionalities.• People with visual impairments use short videos to socialise, which helps enhance their sense of inclusion within society.

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