Redesigning existing assistive devices for commuting blind in the Philippines

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Industrial Engineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

Visually challenged people, especially totally blind individuals (TBIs) often rely on assistive devices to perform daily tasks easily and independently. However, despite the level of support provided by these devices, TBIs are still experiencing numerous difficulties in navigating these tools. The novelty of empathizing with the target users before establishing an innovative design was proposed through the Design Thinking methodology. After determining the dominant characteristics of the TBIs, problem prioritization and root cause analysis was performed. Out of the identified navigation problems, it was found that the accidents experienced due to road obstructions are the major dilemma of the target users. Their capability to resolve the identified major problem on their own and the capacity of existing assistive devices to provide enough stimuli are consequently low. They often rely on their learning curve through experiences and actions are more reactive. To provide a proactive solution, especially in unfamiliar locations, researchers generate solutions through brainstorming. After criteria consideration, modifying the traditional devices garnered the highest score. Design iterations and testing of prototypes involved TBI participants to ensure the usability and practicality of the proposed design. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis is conducted to evaluate the final design.

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Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Self-help devices for people with disabilities—Philippines; Blind—Orientation and mobility—Philippines

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