Let's do it!
To get you started, here are some tips and recommendations for creating tactile graphics.
In general
Think — before you start preparing a tactile graphic, think whether it is the only solution and whether it is possible to use another adaptation (e. g. text or table).
Be consistent — if you have used a solution successfully once, use it again on a similar occasion and don't invent new ones, this will make it easier for the blind person; if there are standards, stick to them.
Don't imitate — don't try to copy a visual material in all its parameters, take into account the specifics of tactile perception (see the chapter Specifics of tactile perception).
Pay attention to the amount of detail — tactile graphics will need to contain much less detail in the same space than visual graphics (see the chapter Specifics of tactile perception); if you need to emphasize detail, you need to split the content of the original image or choose a different scale and often the size of the final graphic.
Simplicity is power — the simpler the graphic, the easier it will be for a blind person to navigate.
Be versatile — even if you are creating graphics for a blind person, remember that they are unlikely to work with them alone; graphics should also have visually accessible labels.
Be inventive — making tactile graphics is a very creative activity and even purely visual forms can have their tactile equivalents, e.g. colors — they can be replaced by text labels or patterns (just remember that you must not use many of them in one image — 4 different fillings is enough).
What else to pay attention to
Many technical details depend on the nature of the graphic and the technology chosen, but it is still possible to give some examples of common shortcomings that can be avoided in advance. Comments relate mainly to graphics on swell (microcapsule) paper.
Too thin lines
If too thin lines are used for printing on swell paper, there is a risk that they will not be sufficiently clear (distinct by touch) even after several passes through the machine.
Lines or other objects too close together
If lines or other objects are placed too close together, there is a risk that they will not be distinguishable by touch as separate objects.
Crossing of lines or lines and filling
Even if the objects of the original graphic touch or cross each other, it is recommended to make a small gap between them in the tactile graphic — the graphic will be clearer to the touch and the feeling of connection or crossing will remain the same for the blind user.
Visual labels in greyscale or black
If you decide to be versatile and add labels to your graphics on swell paper, be sure to print them in a color other than black or greyscale. Otherwise, they will be tactile and distract the blind user when reading the graphic.
Wrong fuser temperature setting
There are several types of fusers, most manufacturers have their own papers. The operating temperature of the machines can vary, so it is advisable to always use the same manufacturer's papers for one type of machine.
When creating a print, the machine must be heated to the correct temperature — a low temperature will cause the relief to be indistinct, too high will cause the paper to deteriorate — bubbles will form on the paper and it will be unusable for further work by the blind person.
Problems with temperature can also occur in case, where bold objects filled with black color alternate with small or thin objects. The first ones may then be over-burnt, the latter indistinct.
