Touching Time

OVERVIEW:

Focusing on universal design, this clock presents both a visual and tactile way of telling time to accommodate people who are visually impaired or blind. The spheres that sit on the surface of the clock can be touched in
order to determine the hour and minute, while the small button on the
side indicates which side is 12 o’clock. The bottom surface uses magnetic enclosures to allow easy access to the battery. The clock’s shape, size,
and color was created with ergonomics and semiotics in mind.

SCOPE:

User Interaction
Prototyping
Woodworking

“A visual and tactile way of telling time to accommodate people who are visually impaired or blind.”

THE PROCESS:

Starting with a flurry of sketches, I examined the forms, construction, ergonomics, and usage context. But as the motive focused in on tactile touch and ergonomics, naturally, the only thing to do was to start prototyping to see things in action. Clay prototypes allowed me to quickly mold different form factors and test ergonomics in real time. When I had found the optimal form, it was time to move onto a more refined prototype that would allow me to verify dimensions and test the integration of the clock motor. Bristol prototypes was the perfect next step for a more exacting and structured model. Once satisfied, I began my shop drawings and headed to the woodshop, constructing the final form of the “Touching Time Clock”.