Accepted abstract for INSIGHT 2018, NID, here.
This is a self initiated and self sponsored project with an intention to design a tangible interface which can layer between user’s touch and touch screens.
The exploration involved design and development of a virtual braille keypad where the major screen space is divided in a grid of 6 elements. Composition of this grid is similar to braille keys.
Project explores a possibility to provide an interface to the users where they can input text in braille format in a similar fashion as they read braille.
Further scope involves exploring the tangible interface for braille learning rather than braille typing. Designing a tool that creates a playful and engaging experience for children with visual impairment and encourages them to learn braille independently, with or without supervision can be a potential application for the interface. And complementing the tool with apps that uses audio as a medium for storytelling can create an intuitive experience and enforce positive reinforcement in the process of learning braille.
For ideas, explorations and collaborations in the area of interaction design for accessibility, feel free to write me at neetakhanuja@gmail.com