Creation, Critique, and Consumption: Exploring Generative AI Descriptions for Supporting Blind and Low Vision Professionals with Visual Tasks
Lucy Jiang, Lotus Zhang, Leah Findlater
TL;DR
The paper investigates barriers that restrict BLV professionals from performing visually oriented work and argues for AI-assisted support. It proposes context-rich, personalized visual descriptions produced by generative AI to aid tasks in creation, critique, and consumption. Two use-case scenarios—filming/editing as an independent content creator and designing marketing materials in a large agency—demonstrate task-specific description needs and collaboration considerations. The discussion emphasizes augmenting BLV visual literacy, improving autonomy and inclusion, and guiding future design of accessible, collaborative workplace tools.
Abstract
Many blind and low vision (BLV) people are excluded from professional roles that may involve visual tasks due to access barriers and persisting stigmas. Advancing generative AI systems can support BLV people through providing contextual and personalized visual descriptions for creation, critique, and consumption. In this workshop paper, we provide design suggestions for how visual descriptions can be better contextualized for multiple professional tasks. We conclude by discussing how these designs can improve autonomy, inclusion, and skill development over time.