In order to make it easier for students with visual impairments to understand and navigate Texas A&M University, freshman engineering student Tyler Wooten created a tactile 3D-printed college map with braille.
While taking a 3D printing course the university's Engineering Innovation Center (EIC), Wooten was inspired to create this tactile campus map. The small maps are printed with PLA and are just about a quarter of an inch thick, making them incredibly easy to tote around.
Wooten is furthering the development of the project with Kaitlyn Kellermeyer, who is an economics student at Texas A&M who lost eyesight in her left eye as an infant and recently, has become completely blind due to a loss of vision in her second eye.
3D-Printed Campus Maps
This Tactile Braille College Map Was Designed for the Visually Impaired
Trend Themes
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Tactile 3D Printing — The use of tactile 3D printing technology allows for the creation of accessible maps and other tactile objects for visually impaired individuals.
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Inclusive Campus Design — Creating inclusive campus designs and features, such as tactile maps, contributes to a more accessible and inclusive educational environment for visually impaired students.
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Collaborative Innovation — Collaboration between students from different disciplines, such as engineering and economics, leads to innovative solutions that address the needs of diverse user groups.
Industry Implications
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Education — The education industry can implement tactile 3D printing technology and inclusive campus design to improve accessibility for visually impaired students.
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Printing and Manufacturing — The printing and manufacturing industry can explore the development of specialized 3D printing techniques and materials for creating tactile maps and objects.
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Assistive Technology — The assistive technology industry can benefit from the development of innovative tactile 3D printing solutions that enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals.