Between the centrality of vision and participatory design: contributions of a literature review on inclusive environments for people with visual impairments

contributions of a literature review on inclusive environments for people with visual impairments

Abstract

This study investigates the role of participatory design in the conception of inclusive environments, with an emphasis on promoting the autonomy, accessibility, and well-being of people with visual impairments. The objective is to understand how the active participation of this population, from the initial stages of the design process, influences the formulation of solutions aligned with their sensory, cognitive, and functional needs. A literature review, guided by the Systematic-Search Flow method, was adopted as the methodological procedure, enabling the identification, selection, and systematic analysis of relevant studies. Among the works carried out, investigations that used tactile models, relief plans, and three-dimensional prototypes as mediations to broaden spatial understanding and improve decision-making by people with visual impairments stand out. The results indicate that participatory design favors solutions that are more responsive to human diversity, shifting the centrality from the exclusively visual paradigm and incorporating the experiential knowledge of users. It is concluded that this approach strengthens ethical and collaborative practices, contributing to the construction of more equitable and socially committed environments.