Uttara Ghodke

THE CROSS-SENSORY GLOBE: Co-Designing a 3D Audio-Tactile Globe Prototype for Blind and Low- Vision Users to Learn Geography

This MRP presents a co-operatively and iteratively designed 3D audio-tactile globe that enables blind and low-vision users to perceive geo-spatial information. Blind and low-vision users rely on learning aids such as 2D-tactile graphics, braille maps and 3D models to learn about geography. I employed co-design as an approach to prototype and evaluate four different iterations of a cross-sensory globe that uses 3D detachable continents to provide geo-spatial haptic information in combination with audio labels. Informed by my co-design and evaluation, I discuss cross-sensory educational aids as an alternative to visually-oriented globes. My findings reveal affordances of 3D-tactile models for conveying concrete features of the Earth (such as varying elevations of landforms) and audio labels for conveying abstract categories about the Earth (such as continent names). I highlight the advantages of longitudinal participatory design that includes the lived experiences and DIY innovations of blind and low-vision users and makers. http://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/2525/