From Selfie Stick to Virtual Cane: Enabling Blind Exploration through Mobile Virtual Reality

Conventional VR experiences rely heavily on visual input, creating barriers for individuals who are blind or have low vision (BLV). We present a mobile VR system that enables BLV users to explore virtual environments independently using a smartphone as a simulated white cane, augmented with spatial audio and haptic feedback. Built on ubiquitous consumer devices, the system supports embodied exploration and encourages physical movement, with multimodal feedback to help users transfer real-world cane techniques into virtual spaces and build mental maps. A user study shows that BLV participants can independently navigate complex virtual environments using familiar cane strategies. We conclude with design recommendations for accessible mobile VR systems informed by our findings.