It sounds a bit paradoxical, but the “Camera for the Blind” by Nadeem Haidary makes it possible for the blind to take pictures. What if the visually impaired can’t see the pictures themselves? At least, they can share their photographs with their near and dear ones. The basic idea behind the camera is simple. The physical interaction lets the visually impaired take digital images with accompanying audio messages for sharing with others. Moreover, these pictures could be vectorized and laser cut to create a new service of developing physical pictures that can be sensed through touch. The designer did interviews and user-testing with prototypes at the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Many a things were considered in the making of the camera, including focus on size, material tactility and methods of interaction. Tangible interactions have been used, so that the visually impaired can use the camera with the utmost ease. The camera turn on by turning the main ring the nodes change as you pull the lens out.
After a photograph is clicked, the user can record an audio message. While in ‘share picture’ mode, the camera is held vertically and the main ring is used to navigate back and forth. The pre-recorded audio messages help the visually impaired narrate the stories behind the pictures with their family and friends. Does the whole thing still sound paradoxical?
Thanks, Nadeem Haidary