Virtual Booth

Aquatic participation among individuals with visual impairment continues to be limited by the lack of assistive technologies specifically designed to support navigation in swimming environments. Existing navigation technologies are predominantly developed for terrestrial use and therefore do not sufficiently account for the biomechanical, environmental, and safety requirements associated with movement in water. This study aimed to develop and establish the conceptual validity of SwimSense, a wearable navigation aid designed to support spatial orientation, obstacle detection, collision prevention, and greater independence among swimmers with visual impairment. The conceptual design was developed using a structured design-based development framework consisting of four phases: literature-driven specification analysis, feature mapping of existing assistive technologies, adaptation to aquatic environmental constraints, and user-centered conceptual alignment. SwimSense incorporates waterproof ultrasonic sensors, a 9-axis inertial measurement unit, complementary sensor fusion, an IP68-rated waterproof housing, magnetic charging, and a dual-channel feedback system comprising directional haptic vibration and optional bone-conduction audio. Before prototype fabrication, the proposed design underwent expert content validation involving twelve multidisciplinary experts from embedded systems engineering, swimming coaching, special education, and rehabilitation. A structured content validation questionnaire assessed six domains: usefulness, safety, feasibility, usability, waterproof suitability, and feedback mechanism. Content validity was determined using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Item-Level Content Validity Index values ranged from 0.92 to 1.00, while the average Scale-Level Content Validity Index was 0.96, demonstrating excellent expert agreement on the relevance and practicality of the proposed design. Expert recommendations were subsequently incorporated to refine the system architecture prior to prototype development. Overall, the findings provide strong evidence of the conceptual validity and perceived feasibility of SwimSense. The validated design provides a sound basis for prototype fabrication, controlled aquatic testing, and subsequent evaluation involving swimmers with visual impairment, while offering a multidisciplinary framework for the development of inclusive assistive technologies for aquatic environments.

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