STEP
STEP: Social Technological Enterprise with a Purpose
In this project, I worked closely along with a team of engineers to create an AR navigation system for the blind and visually impaired community. This system includes a controller, a phone strap, and an app to translate visual information into navigation instructions.
01
Designing a Controller
My goal is to design a controller that would allow people who are blind and visually impaired to control their phone remotely while it is mounted on their body so the camera can see the world and give the user directions through AR.
02
Sketchmodel
I rapidly created some prototypes that focuses on an organic form that has a satisfying feel using clay and other sketch modeling material.
03
CAD
These controller ideas were then brought to life in CAD, and I also learned how to use blender to model the joystick controller for a more organic modeling experience.
04
First 3D print prototype
I 3D printed the first round of prototypes to test for codesign. These cases were designed to house electronics and have a degree of modularity (the dial design has a clip on the back so it can be attached anywhere).
05 Hooking up the electronics
06
First Round of Codesigns
With my experience in conducting user interviews and codesign, I created a codesign script and held 3 different codesigns with members of the blind and visually impaired community with the 3 controller prototypes we made.
07
Redesign
The results of the codesign showed that the dial was a favorite; it was a novel yet intuitive way to navigate the phone. However, users felt as though certain key functions were missing. Through research and gathering data, we assigned the most critical functions to a selection of 4 buttons.
08
Integration
Given the synthesis of research and codesign, we stuck with a simple, tactile design that feels like a simplified remote. In this stage, I also worked closely with the electrical team to ensure a perfect fit with the PCB.
09 Final
This is the final render for the controller, which was sent to a professional 3D printing manufacturer, then assembled and presented to the Perkins School for the Blind, where it was tested.
