Current technology has enabled an amazing depth of digital connectivity for us all—with each other, to sources of information, entertainment, and productivity. Representing an essential portal to our world, we’ve become highly dependent upon these mobile devices and feel lost and disconnected when they’re not within our grasp. The blind community has the same needs and aspirations, but sightless people are severely hampered in their efforts to stay connected by the extreme shortage of personal electronic devices appropriate for their particular requirements.

This disparity needed to be addressed with a new mobile, digital solution. LevelStar, a provider of leading-edge assistive technologies for the blind community, took it upon themselves to innovate in this crucial category. Partnering with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and RKS Design, they set out to bring greater connectivity and personal freedom to the blind through a design solution that would put them on par with the sighted community. A new mobile smartphone was envisioned, with sensitivity towards and considerations for the special needs of the blind.

LevelStar had been working on this project for many months, having brought together a collaborative team of engineers, developers and project managers. Meaningful progress was made in understanding the strategic technological content of such a device, but RKS’ expertise was needed to help make that vision a reality. While LevelStar’s team—many members of which were, themselves, blind—understood the needs of assistive technology users, it was tasked to RKS to help direct them towards a solution that considered the expectations and aspirations of global consumers, now and in the future.

A design that incorporated all the relevant technology available would also have to resonate with the blind users, and the practical and emotional needs of these consumers were deeply researched to create a symbiosis enjoyed by the sighted community and their beloved digital devices.

An essential part of RKS’ research was in the form of extensive interviews with blind users of diverse ages, backgrounds and professions. Working in concert with blind developers, the RKS team compiled a wealth of knowledge and insight into the specific needs of these consumers, helping to give form to the architecture of a device that would empower blind users with the most efficient and useful application of assistive technology. Consideration was given to the variety of uses—professional application, school, or simply for pleasure.

Blind people are sophisticated users of technology, and want assistive devices to have the same level of thoughtfulness and sensitivity designed into them as their Apple keyboards and Nokia phones. Faced with a whole new type of design challenge, designers worked empathetically and learned extensively about the navigational needs, input, text modifier and directional keys, as well as Braille displays. The team also examined competitive devices to ascertain the advantages and drawbacks of their various input, display and connectivity configurations.

After working with various button layouts in 2D to consider the range of finger sizes for optimization, designers went into modeling to place and shape the ideal ergonomics for intuitive operation. Designers regularly blindfolded themselves to fully appreciate the tactile nuances that might ultimately render it intuitive or impractical. Insights from the iterative process directed the design team to integrate tactile interactions for optimum feedback; every nuance of the surface was considered to provide a rich and rewarding interface.

Users subject their devices to a lot of physical abuse, through constant use and inevitable accidents, so durability was of critical importance. This was addressed with a rubber bumper and durable non-painted plastics that don’t show wear.

Further sensitivity was afforded the emotional needs of the users. Surprisingly, the visual aesthetics—including color—were found to be important to users who couldn’t actually see them. Taking pride in one’s personal devices is a universal emotion, and the blind want to have handsome or cool-looking “toys” as much as the next guy.

The insights gained throughout RKS’ discovery process are conveyed in a design that benefits the blind with a full 18-cell Braille display and input layout that makes communication, web browsing and content creation simple and intuitive. Braille texting capability is elevated to a true word processing solution as well. The Orion-18 design provides personal independence and a real-time digital connection, allowing owners to better comprehend and engage their world, virtually anywhere. The combination of the latest digital and assistive technology, empathetically designed, conveniently packs all the unique needs of the blind user into one compact device rather than several.

The Orion-18 brings a new level of connectivity and empowerment to the blind community previously enjoyed only by the sighted. Limitations and stigmas associated with blindness are mitigated through elevated capabilities and an enhanced user experience. RKS is proud to have been instrumental in making the Orion-18 vision a reality for their client, as well as significantly improving the quality of life for the blind community.

Awards:

GOOD Design (2011)

Spark Award — Bronze (2011)

ID Magazine Annual — Design Distinction (2011)

Related Links:

Good Design Awards 2011 — LevelStar Orion 18

PC Mag’s 16 Coolest Demos at Google I/O