Weird. I searched for the definition of Aphantasia and came across this[1] link which describes it in detail. I think I'm the same - I can't visualise things in that way.
Wow. Just finished your link. A great read. I don't know which I find more surprising. The fact that Blake (The creator of Firefox) can't picture anything in his mind, or the fact that he thought everyone was the same, and that "picture a beach" was metaphorical.
Wait what, really? I can literally draw anything you ask me to in my mind, I can see things so vividly I can manipulate them with my mind if I want to. Fascinating that you can't, totally... blows..my...mind. :)
Most of us with Aphantasia can feel three dimensional models, however. My tests show I have a high accuracy of the items I'm feeling, but not necessarily a lot of detail. It could be compared to a 3D model with no texture mapping. I will also note that not everyone's visualization systems are the same, so you may be able to draw anything, but some may not be able to zoom, enhance color, rotate, change perspective, etc. I have one friend that can move icons of things around and draw lines between them, but can't imagine a beach.
Sorry about that. If it helps any, it would appear Aphantasiacs have purpose here. My kids have it. We're immune from commercial and "bad image" influence as well.