Industrial - Bachelors

Vima

VIMA is a vision impairment mobility aid that provides extra safety and features to a traditional white can without the need to replace the whole cane. It is a clipped device that attaches to the handle of the cane that includes haptic feedback sensors that run the length of the device. The haptic sensors are triggered by an ultrasonic sensor that senses and alerts the user of objects that could be overhead or objects in front of the user that are not detected by the cane.

Annabelle Hauff

VIma: Vision impaired mobility aid

Project: Blind Mobility By Annabelle Hauff The image features a traditional white cane with a device located on the handle.
Background: Topic: Mobility for the Vision Impaired There was a survey and an interview conducted for research. It focused on understanding mobility experiences while being vision impaired. It featured issues concerning safety. It was found there was an opportunity for an electronic aid. Survey: The survey conducted was done with 19 participants and responses. It featured multiple-choice and short-response questions. Interview: The interview was done with 1 participant who was legally blind. Findings: The findings found that the design must: Be used with their existing device (primarily the traditional white cane) Be easy to use. Improve mobility. The image features two graphs that feature results taken from the survey. The first is one titled 'would you want a new device that is used with your current device or a new one?'. The major answer for this one was that any new thing needs to be able to be used with their existing device and not replace it. And the second graph is titled 'Considerations of using an electronic mobility aid'. The main answer to this one is that the participants would consider using an electronic aid.

Mobility while being visually impaired is a major necessity. The need to be able to do that in a safe and independent manner is vital for someone’s life.

Brief summary: Directions conisered: New cane tip (roller ball). Cane sensor. Hand sensor. The images featured on this image are sketches of possible designs.
Context: Users: The users of this product are people with vision impairment or full legal blindness. Context: The intended device is to be used in conjunction with the traditional white cane. It is to be used in an urban environment where there are many hazards that can prove this device to be helpful. Purpose: The purpose of the device is to help the vision impaired feel more safe and more aware of their surroundings when travelling alone with a cane. It is to help assist with overhead obstacles such as tree branches, as well as objects with wide openings link benches and tables. The images alongside this text are images of people ducking under a tree, a person walking alongside a train track with their cane, and a basic outdoor picnic table.
Final Product: VIMA: Vision Impairment Mobility Assistant Function: The function of this product is to aid the visually impaired in their mobility. Features: This product features two main components. The first is haptic motor rods that run the length of the handle to provide immediate feedback to the user. The second main feature is the sensor that allows for feedback. It uses an ultrasonic sensor that detects an object in the user's path. The images alongside the text feature the designed device located on the handle end of a traditional white cane. It has close-ups of the design, looking at the sensor and joints.
The image is a traditional white cane with a hand made model of the designed device clipped onto the handle of the cane.

VIMA is a device that does just that VIMA stands for Vision Impairment Mobility Assistant.It is a device that utilises the already made technology of the traditional white cane, by making an addition to make mobility easier and safer. The device is a plastic, injection moulded casing that includes the use of haptic technology to help improve mobility for the vision impaired.

The image is a photo of the handmade model of the device.

Haptic technology is used in the form of vibrating modules that are located down the length of the handle that provides instant feedback to the user. These
vibrations are triggered by the use of an ultrasonic sensor that is located further down the handle that senses when an object is blocking the path of the user. This device is to enhance the obstacle detection of the cane, so it can sense objects that the cane cannot detect.

The sensor features an ultrasonic sensor that detects the obstacles that would be at head height for the user, as well as objects at waist height. The sensor itself is detachable so that the user can use it in more confined spaces where the full cane is not appropriate.

The image is a rendered digital model of the ultrasonic sensor that goes onto the cane.

The physical design of the product is fully intentional for both aesthetics and purpose. The design features long cutouts that run the duration of the handle alongside the haptic rods. These cutouts allow the user to still be able to use the grip already on the cane. This is for many reasons, the main being that if the device was to get wet, the user would still be able to grip the cane instead of trying to hold onto slippery plastic.

The image shows the device being used with the cane. It features the device on the cane with a hand holding it.

The interior of the design has specifically designed grooves so it can slip onto the cane easily. The grooves allow the user to easily locate what part of the cane needs to go where.

The image is two perspective shots of the inside of the device that highlight the grooves in the interior of the device.
Technical details: Material: This product is made out of recycled plastic material. Manufacturing: The final product is to be injection moulded plastic. This allows for more range in the thinness of the haptic handle strips. It is also a sustainable method of production. Finishes: The product is made to have a shiny, smooth finish. The minimal texture was added to not interfere with or irritate any senses. Colours: The final colours of the product are blue and white. A bright bold colour was not chosen as it would interfere with the identifier colour stripes located on the cane. Blue was chosen as it is complimentary to the red on the cane, as well as being a fun colour. It was paired with a white colour on the underside of the casing as it flows on from the cane.

The device’s colour is blue and white which was done intentionally. The colours were intended to not clash with the already made colours of the cane white and red. The cane is made to be reflective, so when used at night the user can be seen. The use of blue and white were colours that can also be used to reflect light and night, as well as provide another identifying colour scheme.

The image is a perspective shot of the digital model.
The image is a perspective shot of the digital model.
The image is a perspective shot of the digital model.

Annabelle Hauff

Annabelle is a designer with a strong passion for helping people through the use of creative designs. After starting an Industrial Design degree in 2020, she discovered through her studies that she developed a drive and passion for making the world a better place through innovation and fresh ideas.