{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Interactive description to enhance accessibility and experience of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in museums.
{Author}: Kim J;Lee C;Kim J;Hong JH;
{Journal}: Univers Access Inf Soc
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2023 Mar 1
{Factor}: 2.629
{DOI}: 10.1007/s10209-023-00983-2
{Abstract}: Text descriptions in museums provide detailed and rich information about artifacts that broadens museum visitors' knowledge and enriches their experience. However, since deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) individuals have low literacy compared to hearing people and communicate through sign language, museum descriptions are considerably limited in delivering a stimulating and informative environment for understanding and enjoying exhibits. To improve DHH individuals' museum experience, we investigated the potential of three interactive description prototypes: active-linked, graph-based, and chatbot-based. A comparative study with 20 DHH participants confirmed that our interaction-based prototypes improve information accessibility and provide an enhanced experience compared to conventional museum descriptions. Most participants preferred the graph-based prototype, while post-interviews suggested that each prototype has potential benefits and limitations according to DHH individuals' particular literacy skills and preferences. Text descriptions can be enlivened for DHH visitors by adding a simple interaction functionality, e.g., clicking, which can lead to a better museum experience.