ZShop: Shopping Application for Visually Challenged

Abstract

Visually challenged people have historically encountered significant challenges when shopping, frequently necessitating the use of outside aid. ZShop, a ground-breaking smartphone application, has been created to revolutionize the buying experience for this demographic in response to this persistent difficulty. ZShop sets itself apart by allowing visually impaired customers to independently shop from the convenience and security of their homes, negating the necessity for in-person store visits. ZShop delivers a range of modern capabilities, including voice commands, voice inputs, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text operations, by leveraging cutting-edge technology. The variety of features makes it easier for users to engage with the app in a natural way, allowing them to manage shopping lists, move around virtual supermarkets, and get information about products with ease. This study details the development and evaluation of ZShop, highlighting its innovative role in inclusive technology. Quantitative results show that visually impaired users' task completion times and accuracy rates have significantly improved. Beyond statistical benefits, ZShop's main contribution is its potential to increase the autonomy and inclusion of this population, reinventing the shopping experience and raising the standard of living for people with visual impairments. ZShop is a user-centric solution designed to improve shopping experiences for visually challenged individuals, paving the way for a new era of independence and accessibility in assistive technology.