Braille Architecture
Love is Blind by Jessica Lertvilai of Vest Collective
The Vest Collective is a Canadian group of designers with a bit of a postmodern streak (in the architectural sense). They make reference to past traditions with an eye towards future manufacturing techniques. And although their work is very PoMo, this vase by Jessica Lertvilai is really not about that. It is a high-concept piece where miss Lertvilai has taken the love letters of her Vest Collective colleagues and transposed them in braille to the surface of a ceramic vase. The deep concept here, for me at least, is the visual narrative is as powerful as the narrative a blind person would get from physically reading the vase, but the two narratives are completely different. In this piece, the blind is really allowed to see while the sighted are somewhat left in the dark.
Trend Themes
1. Braille Artifacts - The use of braille as a design element in everyday objects allows for inclusivity and accessibility in design.
2. Multi-sensory Narratives - Designing experiences that appeal to different senses at once, such as incorporating braille into a visual object ignites curiosity and enhances emotional engagement.
3. Inclusive Design - By utilizing design elements that are universally accessible, such as braille, creators can broaden the user base of their product or service.
Industry Implications
1. Design Industry - Incorporating braille into products can enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of designs, allowing them to appeal to a wider audience.
2. Education Industry - The integration of braille into educational materials can enable the visually impaired to engage with educational content more fully.
3. Technology Industry - Advancements in printing and manufacturing techniques can enable the creation of designs that incorporate braille, providing opportunities for innovation and accessibility in products and services.