This tactile tablet for visually impaired people makes it easier for the blind to interact with graphic content in an increasingly visual world. Funded by the European Union, BlindPad is a 2 million euro project coordinated by Luca Brayda from the Italian Institute of Technology in Geneva. BlindPad -- or Personal Assistive Devices for Blind and visually impaired people -- helps those who are at a disadvantage as websites become more graphically complex and visual content online progresses for those with sight.
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a project partner, developed a prototype tablet for visually impaired people. The device uses electromagnetic technology to create Braille-like patterns that can be 'read' with fingers. As SpringWise puts it, "the idea is to translate visual concepts into tactile representations keeping energy consumption to a minimum."
Tactile Tablet Prototypes
This Tablet for Visually Impaired People Translates Images into Tactiles
Trend Themes
1. Tactile Tablets - The development of tactile tablets for visually impaired individuals represents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the assistive technology industry.
2. Accessibility Tech - The continued development of technology to make digital content more accessible for visually impaired individuals is a promising trend for businesses in the assistive technology industry.
3. Electromagnetic Braille-like Patterns - The use of electromagnetic technology to create Braille-like patterns on tactile tablets presents an opportunity for businesses specializing in assistive technology to develop and market new products.
Industry Implications
1. Assistive Technology - The development of tactile tablets represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the assistive technology industry to create new products and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
2. Consumer Electronics - The integration of tactile capabilities in consumer electronics, such as tablets and smartphones, could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses in the consumer electronics industry looking to improve accessibility and appeal to a wider range of consumers.
3. Digital Content - The development of technology to make digital content more accessible for visually impaired individuals represents a trend that businesses in the digital content industry should take note of to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all users.