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Blind people with the use of one hand are rare and therefore nothing in the world is designed to meet their unique needs. The new maker philosophy takes these real-world problems and works to find and build custom solutions. Working in a collaborative team, the person with the need proposed the problem and works with a maker to build and refine the bespoke solution.
The blind user involved in the research has the use of their left hand only. Braille requires up to six dots to be entered to make up each letter of the alphabet and other written elements. So, with one hand it is necessary to work out the best way to enter all of the required dots. There have been a number of one handed solutions for typing previously ranging from sticky keys, swiping and cording. Our solution is a Perkins style keyboard that has one key representing one dot. This design combines dots 5-6 into one key to enable six dots to be entered with one hand. This enables a blind person to undertake one handed entry of a single braille cell with one key strike where there is a meaningful relationship between the braille cell and inputting method.
Keyboard Prototypes
Keyboard Prototypes
A series of designs were built and tested, with iterative changes to account for ergonomics and practicality, culminating in a successful final version. The study is an example of how emerging low-cost technologies can be harnessed to create innovative and custom-designed solutions for accessibility.
First prototype arranged like piano keys was uncomfortable
Second prototype was more comfortable
The second prototype had to be released to use the braille display
Third Prototype with angle ends and space for an integrated braille display and buttons underneath
Fourth Prototype with buttons with angle ends, space for the integrated braille display and buttons on the front
Fifth Prototype current version with membrane switches and a smooth face
The Fifth Prototype is laser cut acrylic, with membrane switches and covers over the switches to provide a smooth keyboard face. It is built using a makey makey and bread board with solid core wire to make the connections.
Keyboard Mapping
Keyboard Mapping
The mapping of the keys on the keyboard enable all six braille dots to be entered with one hand by using one button to press dot five and six at the same time.
Leona at Monash Sensi Lab trying to get her head around the fingering on the keyboard.
Collaborators
Project Lead
- Dr Kirsten Ellis
Collaborator
- Leona Holloway
User
- Ross
Funding
None
Links
None
Publications
None
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