Photo-Form Tactile
Graphics allow blind users access to a vast range of images which they ‘see’
with their hands and fingers.
They’re bas-relief files
created from any type of two dimensional image using digital technology. The
result, in hard, durable plastic, is a surface that accurately represents the
original image with an emphasis on textures and forms.
This new method is
radically different from traditional production where string and other flat
objects are placed on a board and a vacuum forming process is used to produce
tactile image.
The inventor of this unique process
is an architect, Keith Carlson. He intends to create a series of boxed sets of
his tactile graphics. Each set will contain a number of files relating to a
particular theme.
Topics covered will include Animals,
Plants, Landscapes, Manmade Structures, Machines, Astronomy and Geography. Each
set will come in its own carrying case and will be available in libraries,
schools, universities and organizations which serve the blind community.
During an initial round of user
testing at a foundation for blind children, Carlson placed a file featuring an
image of Saturn on the table for one of the children to try out. As her fingers
examined the surface, she asked “what is this?” He told her to move her hand
towards the bottom right hand side for the Braille description. As she read the
words “Saturn”, she exclaimed, “Oh so that’s what Saturn looks like!” When
the entire room burst into laughter Carlson knew he had a successful project to
work on.
For more information regarding
Photo-form Tactile Graphics, please visit their web site at
www.photo-form.com
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