Design and Development for Visually Impaired Person: Innovations in Assistive Technology

In today's world, exclusivity is essential, and the fashion industry is no exception. Designing and developing products for visually impaired individuals requires a unique approach, considering various factors to ensure accessibility and usability. Visual impairment is a significant disability that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 285 million visually impaired people worldwide, out of which 39 million are completely blind. Visual impairment makes it challenging for individuals to perform daily activities independently and can lead to a loss of confidence and independence. One of the major challenges for visually impaired people is to recognize colors, which is a key aspect of daily living. To address this issue, researchers have developed a Vision Shirt that can help the visually impaired identify colors. Another good news is that Assistive Technology is continuously advancing, making it easier for visually challenged individuals to live more independently. In this article, we will explore the design and development of assistive technology and Vision Shirt for visually impaired individuals.

Color Relevance: Understanding the Problem

Understanding Color Relevance for Visually Challenged

Color identification is a vital part of daily living, which most people take for granted. It helps in identifying objects, matching clothes, and even indicating the presence of danger. However, for visually impaired people, color identification is a significant challenge. Traditional methods of identifying colors involve the use of braille color charts or relying on sighted individuals to assist. These methods are not always practical, and they can be time-consuming and unreliable. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can help the visually challenged identify colors independently and efficiently. However, innovative technology has led to the development of color sensors that can detect the colors of objects. One such device is the Vision Shirt, a wearable device with color sensors embedded in the fabric.

Seeing Beyond Colors: The Importance of Seven Colors for Visually Impaired Individuals

The use of color is an essential aspect of design and communication, but for visually impaired individuals, it can be challenging to differentiate between different colors. Visually impaired individuals face numerous challenges when it comes to identifying colors, especially in everyday life. In most cases, they are unable to differentiate between colors that appear similar to the naked eye. Therefore, it is essential to use specific colors that are easily distinguishable by visually impaired individuals. The most important colors for visually impaired individuals are high-contrast colors such as Black, White, Red and Yellow. Black & White are the two most contrasting colors, and they are often used together to create maximum contrast in designs. For instance, black text on a white background is much easier to read than grey text on a light grey background. Red is also an important color for visually impaired individuals as it has a longer wavelength, making it easier to distinguish. Similarly, Yellow is also a high-contrast color and is often used in cautionary signs and symbols. In addition to the four primary colors mentioned above, other high-contrast colors that are useful for visually impaired individuals include Blue, Green and Orange. These colors have a higher saturation level, making them easier to identify. On the other hand, colors that are not easily distinguishable by visually impaired individuals include Pink, Purple and Grey.

Designing the Vision Shirt, Testing and Refining the Design

The Vision Shirt is a wearable device that uses color sensors to detect the colors of objects. The shirt is designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. It has sensors embedded in the fabric, which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the data and provides feedback to the wearer. The shirt also has an audio output that can be used to communicate color information to the user. The development of the Vision Shirt involved several design considerations. One of the primary considerations was the selection of the color sensors. The sensors needed to be sensitive enough to detect a wide range of colors and provide accurate color information. Another consideration was the design of the shirt itself. It needed to be comfortable and unobtrusive, and the sensors had to be strategically placed to ensure they could detect colors accurately. The shirt was designed to be battery-powered, with the battery pack located in a pocket on the shirt. The microcontroller was also placed in this pocket, along with the audio output device. The shirt was designed to be washable, with the sensors and electronics safely embedded in the fabric.

Once the initial design was complete, the Vision Shirt underwent extensive testing to ensure it was effective and efficient. The testing involved several visually challenged individuals who were asked to identify the colors of various objects using the shirt. The results were promising, with users able to identify colors accurately and independently. However, feedback from the users highlighted a few design issues that needed to be addressed. The placement of the sensors needed to be adjusted to improve accuracy, and the audio output needed to be clearer and louder. These refinements were made to the design, and the shirt was tested again. The final design was effective and efficient, with users able to identify colors accurately and easily.

Factors that enhance the shopping experience of Visually Impaired People

Shopping Store for Visually Impaired People

Visually impaired individuals face unique challenges when it comes to reading and writing during their shopping.

Brainly Language is an essential factor that helps them navigate the digital world with ease. Brainly is a type of language that simplifies complex sentences and uses a limited vocabulary, making it easier to understand. Websites and applications that cater to visually impaired individuals use Brainly language to enhance accessibility.

Bold Letters are another factor that helps visually impaired people. In printed materials, bold letters make it easier for them to read, as they stand out from the rest of the text. For online content, designers can use bold font settings to enhance the visibility of headings and subheadings.

Audio Output and Speech Output are two other critical factors that help visually impaired individuals. With audio output, text-based content is converted into an audio format, allowing visually impaired individuals to listen to the content. Similarly, speech output technology can read the content out loud, providing an accessible reading experience.

Pricing Dots over the shopping price tags is another innovative solution that helps visually impaired individuals. Pricing dots are raised, tactile markers that represent the price of an item. These dots are placed on the tag of an item and can be easily felt by visually impaired individuals. This allows them to determine the price of an item independently, without needing assistance.

Revolutionizing Accessibility: The Power of Smart Shirts for Visually Impaired Individuals

Smart Shirt with Sensors for Visually Impaired Individuals

Smart Shirts for visually impaired individuals are an innovative and practical solution that combines technology and fashion to improve accessibility. These shirts are embedded with sensors and other high-tech components that provide real-time feedback to the wearer. For instance, some smart shirts use haptic feedback, which is a form of tactile communication that uses vibrations to convey information to the wearer. The vibrations can be programmed to indicate different types of information, such as directional cues, proximity warnings, or notifications from a smartphone.
In addition to haptic feedback, some smart shirts for visually impaired individuals also incorporate audio feedback. This means that the shirt is equipped with speakers or headphones that can provide verbal information to the wearer. For example, the shirt could be programmed to read out text messages or emails, provide directions, or alert the wearer to approaching obstacles.

Smart shirts for visually impaired individuals come in various styles, designs, and sizes, making them suitable for different occasions and activities. Some are designed specifically for sports and fitness activities, while others are more casual and suitable for everyday wear. The smart technology used in these shirts is typically powered by rechargeable batteries that can last for several hours of continuous use.
Overall, smart shirts for visually impaired individuals are a promising development in the world of assistive technology. They offer a practical and stylish solution for improving accessibility and independence for visually impaired individuals, making it easier for them to navigate their surroundings and stay connected with the world around them.

Fashion Brands Redefining Inclusivity: Designs for Visually Impaired Individuals

Fashion Brands with a vision for Visually Impaired People

Fashion brands around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in their designs, and some are going the extra mile to create fashion lines specifically for visually impaired individuals. One notable example is the brand Tommy Hilfiger, which launched its adaptive clothing line in 2017. The line includes items like button-down shirts, pants with magnetic closures, and jackets with zip-off sleeves, all designed with the needs of people with disabilities in mind. Another brand, Nike, has also launched a line of adaptive shoes that feature easy-to-use closures and other accessibility features. Other brands that focus on designing for people with disabilities include Target's Cat & Jack line, which features sensory-friendly clothing, and Zappos Adaptive, which sells a variety of clothing and footwear specifically designed for people with disabilities. By creating more inclusive designs, these fashion brands are helping to ensure that everyone has access to stylish and functional clothing, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Published On	-	2023-05-11
Modified On	-	2023-05-11
Author	-	Drisya S Pradeep
Publisher	-	Waves Fashion Institute
https://wifd.in//design_and_development_for_visually_impaired_person

Applauding the Mastermind Author Behind the Words
	Drisya S Pradeep Advanced Diploma in Fashion Designing 2022 - 23 Batch Published: 11 May 2023

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