h a l f b a k e r yAlas, poor spelling!
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I want to design a map for the visually
impaired and blind. It is to help them, as
tourists, find their way around a city.
I need to 'create map substitutes that are
accessed through non-visual sensory
pathways.' (Geography Discipline
Networks, 2001).
ok. This is what I have come up
with.
A map that uses contoured paper to
show places and Braille instead of text.
That idea isn't so new. What I would
also include, that I don't think has been
done before, is remove areas of the
paper (make holes) that represent
something on the key (legend).
That's it. As you can see it's not even in
the oven yet, never mind half baked.
[link]
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this might work, holes of different shapes to represent facilities, like a P.O. or a park area. |
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Yes. A star for a post office. They can
check what things are by feeling for the
holes down the page. My only worry is
the cost of getting the printers to do
this. Maybe there is a better idea? or
way to do it? |
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speaking GPS systems exist now. |
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I would think that if the manufacturer is putting Braille on the map, that these other symbols would be done in relief during the same process. Though, holes might be a way to extend the symbol set. Is it as easy to determine the shape of a hole as it is to read the Braille bumps? It seems to me that it wouldn't, but I can't read Braille either. |
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GPS is another area to look at. However,
it is expensive for just a day trip. |
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I was thinking along the lines of lending
the GPS system from the library or
tourist office. |
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However, I want to explore the low-tec
solution to the problem first. |
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half -- your right about the holes, I just
tried it and they need to be big and
obvious. A star and square can be
identified. |
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But, I dont have a visual impairment and
I'm not blind. I believe the user (braille
competent reader) will be more capable
of identify things with their fingers. |
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Putting the appropriate data in braille onto a map would be feasible. The usability issue would be in orienting the user and the map correctly to the environment. Would be possible to know where you are but not necessarily which direction you are facing and is the map facing the same way. Overcome this and it's a winner. |
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