I’ve been a Systems Engineer for over ten years designing mission-critical systems which provides the necessary knowledge to combine various intricate systems together and work fluidly. In addition, I was involved in the ideation process within Motorola for more than four years, evaluating ideas along with providing feedback for many aspects of design, including mobile phone design.
I’ve been designing this in my head for more than two years. I was prepared to design this system for Project Ara, Google’s modular phone, and attended both DevCons, but when that platform fell through my plans were put on hold. With the MotoMod platform and being selected as a finalist, I have a chance to create something that will be beneficial to those who need it.
Although I am not vision-impaired, nor do I know anyone who is, I have always been troubled by technology’s steady march toward becoming increasingly visual. Phones with a physical keyboard were once commonplace but are now a rarity; this could hinder the ability of visually-impaired users to effectively use their phones. While advancements in screen size and resolution assist with vision-impaired, it does not directly assist those who are blind. And while voice dictation can be used, it’s cumbersome and doesn’t allow for pauses for a user to think.
So, why do it? I love design. I love technology. And I think it’s meant for everyone.
I tried to use the voice navigation within Android, and it’s an extremely frustrating experience. It is extremely difficult to navigate and use, doesn’t allow for privacy of the user unless they constantly have headphones, and is troublesome for those who read faster than a voice speaks.
This is a starting point to determine if this is something that people wish to have developed. Users with disabilities should not be left behind while technology progresses. Braille keyboards are extremely large and expensive.
One of the issues is that I need to be vague to protect patentable concepts while still providing enough details for individuals to stand behind. The answers will be in the patents and the features that they will provide. There are two designs planned, one for a single character and one for multiple. The single character design is planned around six actuators, whereas the multiple character design will have a custom design. Software design will have custom features to display the information normally onscreen with user personalization.
The amount requested will not be capable of providing a finalized product. Funding will go towards the costs of equipment, prototyping, printing/molding, and outside assistance. The primary costs covered will be an oscilloscope for debugging communications issues, and contract or direct 3D printing and molding.
One of the things that has bothered me about crowdsourcing projects I’ve funded in the past is the opacity as to the status of the project and what the funding is being used for; this will not happen with my project. There will be at a minimum monthly updates for one year or the life of the stage, whichever is longer. When you donate, you’ll find out exactly what it was used for, including any crowdfunding fees (which can be up to 10% of the amount raised depending upon contribution method).
As this is a fixed funding, if the total amount isn’t raised, no funds are received and no perks will be provided. However, I’ll still send a thank-you email, it’s the least I can do.
There are an estimated 6.6 million in the US alone who have reported a visual disability, and the World Health Organization estimates 39 million blind and almost a quarter of a billion with low vision. According to the National Federation of the Blind, over 80% of gainfully employed blind people utilize braille every day. However, one aspect that limits Braille use to just 10% of blind users in the US is access.
Portable Bluetooth Braille displays cost over $1000, have a strap to hang around the user’s neck, and are limited in the number of characters. This is a huge burden both physically and financially, and I want to address it. With advancements in technology the potential exists for a design that is less obtrusive, more integrated, and especially less expensive.
Proof of Concept Build single unit braille proof of concepts for finger Braille display and one piece of full Braille display
Prototypes Integration into MotoMod platform
Initial Run Verification of build
The primary risk is too narrow of a market. This would be for a certain type of phone, would be subject to mechanical and electrical changes in the future, and this could affect development. The other primary risk is mechanical failure that would compromise the functionality of the unit as a whole.
The best way to address both issues is with a finalized modular design, both in construction and internal design. With a modular frame, as long as the size does not exceed the area allowed on the phone, it can be adapted to fit different devices. Internal self-reliance allows for less dependencies on other platforms, and allows for possibilities with Bluetooth as a future option.
Ideally, internal components would be modular as well, allowing for replacement of components to account for the eventual mechanical or electrical failure. This may add height to the final design, but I feel this is a worthwhile tradeoff.
The final component is where possible, the design will be 3D printed which will allow for flexibility of sources and readily created replacement parts.
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Braille Mod for Moto Z, a Moto Mods™ concept for Moto Z smartphones. Moto Mods™ is a trademark of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Moto Mods™ snap onto any Moto Z to give it a whole new superpower. They transform your phone allowing it to do things other phones can’t. To learn more visit www.motomods.com.
The goal of the campaign is solely a donation to support further development, not providing any goods or services. No guarantee of success, delivery or result can be provided. Under no circumstances will the owner of this campaign be liable for losses or damages of any kind whatsoever.