Chi-B
Building blocks for visually impaired kids
* This project was created as my final project in the Holon Institute of Technology
The Problem
Visually impaired kids don’t have many toys addressed to them, leaving them further behind in development when compared to sighted kids their age.
My Solution
Building blocks that use a system of shapes, textures, materials and colors that are accessible to both sighted and visually impaired kids.
Research
Interviews with parents & professionals
Usability testing
Final design
”You need to create an environment where it’s easier to notice things. Use a strong color contrast, work with black and white, light and dark- it all depends on the age and the goal.”
R, Eliya Organization
”Building games are really important. It’s hard for them, they can’t see the parts and they get negative feedback, so they give up.”
S, Eliya Organizaion
”They told me to add a black background when I’m playing with him. I have this black cardboard and I showed him some toys on it, and suddenly everything became interesting to him! He’s having fun and he’s exploring the toys.”
Z, Parent
Pain Points
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Building games and toys are too difficult
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Details are too small​
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Too many details to look at
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No clear indicators for how to connect the pieces
Project Goals
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Creating a system kids can learn and memorize so they could build even without needing to see
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Encourage visually impaired kids to play with building blocks
My Solution
A design system that is like a language the child can learn, and ultimately play without needing to look at the pieces all the time.​
Materials
Silicone = end piece
ABS plastic = connectors
Beech wood = body of the piece
Texture
Soft and rubbery = end piece
Stripes = connector's direction
Smooth = body of piece
Color
Magenta = end pieces
Cyan = connectors
Neutral = body of the piece
Shape
Flat surface = connectors
Curved surface = no connectors
