'Life' is a braille book by Philipp Meyer that translates the dynamism and excitement of a graphic novel into braille. Meyer took on comics and began to challenge himself to see if it was possible, working with braille proofreaders and vision-impaired readers.
His first attempts revealed that just describing a frame's environment was too literal and boring. Later, he began working with descriptions that heightened the other senses and arranged braille characters in circular shapes for a "360-degree" experience. The placements of these circles help to mimic where the speaker or sounds are coming from.
'Life' was positively received by blind readers who were excited to experience "a medium that did not exist in this form before."
Braille Graphic Novels
Philipp Meyer's Braille Book is a Dynamic Comic for the Blind
Trend Themes
1. Braille Graphic Novels - Creating graphic novels in braille introduces a new way for visually impaired individuals to experience storytelling.
2. Enhancing Senses in Braille - Using descriptions that heighten other senses in braille books opens up opportunities for a more immersive reading experience for the blind.
3. Interactive Braille Experiences - Incorporating circular shapes and strategic placement of braille characters provides an interactive and 360-degree reading experience for visually impaired individuals.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - Publishers can leverage braille graphic novels to cater to the needs of visually impaired readers and expand their target market.
2. Assistive Technology - Companies specializing in assistive technology can develop innovative devices and software to enhance the accessibility and enjoyment of braille graphic novels.
3. Education - Educational institutions can incorporate braille graphic novels into their curriculum, providing visually impaired students with more engaging and inclusive learning materials.