Development of User Feedback-Based Optimized Encoding System for 3D-Printed Tactile Maps

Abstract

The wide availability of 3D-printers makes possible the simple creation of tactile maps for individuals with blindness. However, to be useful, these maps have to be designed using feedback from the future users. In this study, we worked with fifteen individuals with blindness to develop an optimized encoding system for 3D-printed tactile maps for building interiors. Based on their requests, we focused on the development of maps with information about safety routes and emergency exits. Additionally, users identified a set of important physical objects to be encoded on the map. After that, multiple encodings were evaluated individually and when integrated in maps. This resulted in a set of optimal encodings that was most positively perceived by all participants.

Urban “Furniture” Dedicated to People With Visual Disfunctions. Case Study- Białystok

“…tyflografik (Jakubowski 2009), czyli specjalnie uwypuklonych, półprzestrzennych obrazów oraz modeli dotykowych (Pietrzykowska 2015), czyli odwzorowań pełnoprzestrzennych, przy czym oba typy opracowań mogą służyć różnym celom, np. poznawczym (Kłopotowska 2013), orientacji w przestrzeni (Kaplan, Pyayt 2022), nauce orientacji przestrzennej (Wieckowska, Szwedowska 2001), turystyce (Jakubowski, 2011), ewakuacji (Wysocki 2008, s. 159), itd. Najliczniejszą grupę spośród pomocy stanowią opracowania dotykowo-wizualne, choć spotyka się również obrazy dotykowe wzbogacane o informacje audio (Kalbarczyk 2008).…”

“…full-space projections, and both types of objects can serve different purposes, e.g. cognitive (Kłopotowska 2013), orientation in space (Kaplan, Pyayt 2022), learning spatial orientation (Wieckowska, Szwedowska 2001), tourism (Jakubowski, 2011), evacuation (Wysocki 2008, p. 159), etc. The largest group of aids are tactile-visual objects, although there are also tactile images enriched with audio information (Kalbarczyk 2008).…”

Fully Digital Audio Haptic Maps for Individuals with Blindness

“…Tactile maps are used for the effective delivery of spatial information to people with blindness [1][2][3][4][5][6]. They offer an efficient way to introduce a new space to individuals with blindness, far surpassing verbal descriptions [7,8].…”

“…There are many ways to create tactile maps, including 3D printing, embossing, thermoforming, handcrafting from materials, or using swell paper [3][4][5][19][20][21]. This introduces delays lasting from hours to weeks, depending on the availability of the production method.…”