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Background

Thesis Research

According to a CDC study in 2008, over 6 million people are living with at least one disability in United States. The studies indicate that there are at least 3.4 million visually impaired people in America and 1.3 million are legally blind. Humans have a multitude of sense including sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Among these senses, sight is the predominant sense in most people. Losing a sight or born without sight means losing a partial ability to walk, understand and percept. In the case of visually impaired children, the process and the result of losing sight is more difficult and complicated for them than the adults. It can lead to other issues such as depression, pessimism, social isolation and mental disease. In a recent study of vision loss, rehabilitation and depression conducted by the Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute of Lighthouse International, one-third of visually impaired participants had clinically significant depressive symptoms. After growing up with an uncle who has a disability, I always aspired to create something that is emotionally rich and grounded in meaning as a designer. I try to keep myself passionate in assisting someone who is in need of help. I also believe that inspiring surroundings have positive effect on people's lives.

My first precedent was Hands on Search designed by Yahoo! Japan. This project delivered a message that internet can be also communicated with sense of touch by using a 3D printer. They have added a search function to the 3D printer so when the children search an item, it will be printed for them to feel by touch. I became more interested in visually impaired children through this project and began to focus on how to help their tactile development. My second precedent was Reach & Match Braille Learning Toy designed by Lau Shuk Man. This project makes learning braille a positive and enjoyable experience for the visually impaired children. The front side of the mat is pre-braille learning, ideal for toddlers, teaching mobility symbols and identify any tactile patterns. The other side of the mat is braille learning that teaches direction, motor development and space training. This project inspired and directed me to think of a toy or play that can bring sighted and visually impaired together and also help the development of their sense of touch.

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Concept

First Prototype Concept

Between the age of 2 and 4 is an important time for the children to start their social, mental, physical and intellectual development. The sense of touch at the tip of the fingers develop the most around this time. After the age of 5, the sense start to become dull so it is important for the children to touch and memorize as many things as possible. They need socializing and a way to help their muscle development. At some blind schools, they encourage swimming for the children to learn balancing their body. Since there is less chance to get hurt in water than on ground, the children can explore different body movements and gain confidence. It is an entertaining way to train that can also help them to walk straight. Visually impaired people use touch and hearing to replace their sense of sight. The concept is to use these replacing senses to assist the children with their development in the most important and busiest time for their body. It will assist their muscle nerves and at the same time, maximize the development of their finger tip's sense of touch in an informative and entertaining way. I will produce a ball pool toy that is safe, fun and educational. Different textiles will be used to spark the children's curiosity and let them feel as many different textures as possible. There are 10 balls that are Rough, Bumpy, Soft, Furry, Fuzzy, Nubby, Ribbed, Scratchy, Slippery and Smooth. Children with sight are also visually entertained as the balls are made of fabric and plastic in different color, and when pressed, the balls make different melody sound. The goal is to assist developing other senses than sight and provide an opportunity to gain confidence and sense of achievement.

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