Product

Sonify is an iPhone application that enables individuals with visual impairments to quickly access line graphs.

Image animation of finger drag left to right effect on Sonify app







Open the app and drag a finger left and right across the bottom half of the phone screen to play a sonified line. The horizontal movement traverses X-values (dates), and corresponding Y-values (stock prices) are represented through rising and falling pitch.







Tap anywhere on the graph to hear the X and Y values at that point.

Image animation of finger tapping at point on Sonify app
Image animation of finger clicking on date ranges selections on Sonify app







Interact with the top half of the screen to navigate a menu that is compatible with VoiceOver, Apple's in-built screen reader. Use VoiceOver gestures to navigate the menu to access summary information about the graph, including current price, highs and lows, and date range.







Swipe down in the graph section to switch to a second line. Swipe down again to access both lines simultaneously. Each line is represented by a different sound, to distinguish between the two for comparison.

Image animation of finger swiping down to change graphs on Sonify app




We chose to include a visual representation of each graph in Sonify for a couple of reasons. We wanted people with partial visual impairment to be able to read graphs as they typically do, with our technology supplementing or enhancing their experience. We wanted our users to be able to communicate about graphs with people who are sighted. With our app, both sighted and non-sighted users can collaborate to navigate and interpret a line graph.

About

Sonify- Making graphs accessible. For our MHCI Capstone project we partnered with Bloomberg L.P. to investigate computer accessibility in desktop applications for people with disabilities.

Sponsors

Carnegie Mellon University
Bloomberg L.P.