A-ron

Part 1: Drawing key lessons

• The final design has adequately addressed the major safety concern of the blind injuring themselves when ironing. Furthermore, the team has carefully considered other notable factors in their design such as tactile temperature dial/control, clicking mechanism as well as the weight and dimensions of the prototype in order to enhance the user experience. Overall, the final design has achieved the primary objective of protecting the blind from burns during ironing coupled with some noteworthy tweaks to better assist the blind in operating the iron.

• In addition to the tactile dial, the team can consider using sound, assistive technology and sensors to assist the blind in operating the iron as well as providing timely alerts to the user. For instance, the team can consider adding a proximity/ultrasonic sensor to trigger a ringtone and alert the user that he/she is near the iron. A small speaker can be incorporated to the iron to play the ringtone and perhaps alert the user when there are changes made to the temperature settings. Haptic sensors can also be considered in addition to tactile dial to further enhance the user experience.

Part 2: Exploring Possibilities

• Low-Cost Tactile Displays for the Blind and Visually Impaired

https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/low-cost-tactile-displays-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired/

• Proximity hat

https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2016/01/proximity-hat-lets-blind-people-feel-spaces/

• Besides ironing, the team can consider exploring various assistive technology for the blind. In addition to ironing, the team can examine other challenges faced by the blind in their daily routine such as cooking, going to the toilet, and so on.