The Zen Tablet Was Designed with the Blind in Mind
Amelia Roblin — August 18, 2011 — Tech
References: industrialdesignserved
Touchscreen technology offers such great potential for multimedia user interaction, but one can't help but feel like something is still missing. The clever Rene Lee has taken a step further with the development of the Zen tablet, offering a brilliant graphical display in conjunction with a tactile one.
Fingertips can do so much more than simply poke to convey commands, and this gadget takes full advantage. The Zen z-axis enabled device projects oscillating pixel rods that output three dimensional textures. Such a capability would be quite attractive to the visually impaired user, given the possibilities for presenting braille script and embossed computing icons. The Zen tablet even incorporates a sonic pointing system to direct users' tactile attention to specific locations on the screen with one speaker built into each corner.
Fingertips can do so much more than simply poke to convey commands, and this gadget takes full advantage. The Zen z-axis enabled device projects oscillating pixel rods that output three dimensional textures. Such a capability would be quite attractive to the visually impaired user, given the possibilities for presenting braille script and embossed computing icons. The Zen tablet even incorporates a sonic pointing system to direct users' tactile attention to specific locations on the screen with one speaker built into each corner.
Trend Themes
1. Multi-sensory Interfaces - The development of devices that combine tactile and graphical displays opens up new opportunities for multi-sensory user interaction.
2. Inclusive Technology - The integration of braille script and embossed computing icons in touchscreen devices provides innovative and inclusive solutions for visually impaired users.
3. Sonic Feedback Systems - The incorporation of sonic pointing systems in touchscreen devices enables users to receive tactile feedback through sound, revolutionizing the way users navigate on-screen content.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The development of tactile touchscreen technology presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the consumer electronics industry, particularly for devices aimed at enhancing user accessibility.
2. Assistive Technology - The Zen tablet and similar devices offer significant disruptive innovation potential in the field of assistive technology, improving accessibility and enhancing the user experience for individuals with visual impairments.
3. User Interface Design - The introduction of multi-sensory interfaces and new feedback systems in user interface design presents exciting disruptive innovation opportunities for enhancing user interaction and engagement.
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