One of the most exciting implications of advanced technology is giving more independence to people with all sorts of disabilities. This concept for the Dotdotdot Braille Barcode Scanner enables perfectly capable people to shop comfortably and independently, despite their inability to see.
Earning an Honorable Mention at the 2015 Red Dot Design Awards, Woojin Chung came up with the idea for a pocket-sized electronic device that would enable the blind to make informed decisions about potential purchases. The gadget can simply be swiped over the item in question, registering and reading the universal product code for its details. The Braille Barcode Scanner will transmit this information in the form of tactile dots and a voice through earbuds, giving the name, the manufacturer and the price, as well as descriptions of size, color and anything else available.
Blind Buying Assistants
This Braille Barcode Scanner Helps the Visually Impaired Choose Products
Trend Themes
1. Assistive Technology - There is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the development of more advanced and affordable assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.
2. Accessibility in Retail - New technology can disrupt the retail industry by making products and shopping experiences more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
3. Augmented Reality for Shopping - Augmented reality can offer new ways for individuals with disabilities to shop independently and comfortably.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers can benefit from offering more accessible products and shopping experiences for individuals with disabilities.
2. Technology - The tech industry has the potential to innovate and develop more advanced assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.
3. Healthcare - There is a need for healthcare providers to invest in and incorporate assistive technology in patient care to promote independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.