Inclusive by design: Developing Barrier-Free Authentication for Blind and Low Vision Users through the ALIAS Project

Authentication is the cornerstone of information security in our daily lives. However, disabled users such as Blind and Low-Vision (BLV) ones are left behind in digital services due to the lack of accessibility. According to the World Health Organization, 36 million people are blind worldwide. It is estimated that there will be 115 million by 2050, due to the ageing of the population. Yet accessing digital services has become increasingly essential. At the same time, cyber threats targeting individuals have also increased strongly in the last few years. The ALIAS project addresses the need for accessible digital authentication solutions for BLV users facing challenges with digital technology. Security systems can inhibit access for these individuals as they become more complex. This project aims to create a barrier-free authentication system based on cognitive ergonomics and user experience (UX) design methods specifically for BLV users. This paper presents an overview of current research in this area. We also identify research gaps, and finally, we present our project's methodology and approach. First, we will build a knowledge base on the digital practices and cognitive models of BLV users during authentication. This information will support the development of prototypes, which will be tested and refined through two iterations before finalizing the operational version.