For many, looking at their wristwatch to read the time is not an issue, but for the visually impaired population, something like the Rub. Feel. Know Watch is sure to enhance one's independence.
There are quite a few timekeepers on the market that have been designed with the blind in mind, be them gadgets that read out the hour or express it in braille characters. What makes this particular chronograph so compelling is the way that it uses not only texture to communicate the time, but temperature as well.
Two revolving rings make up the dial of the Rub. Feel. Know Watch by Lee Jung Hoon, and it's very easy to tell them apart. The central hour disc remains warm to the touch and features a circular indentation instead of a hand. The outer ring has a point of protrusion to designate the minute, and it stays relatively cool against your fingertips.
Sensational Tactile Timepieces
The Rub. Feel. Know Watch Gives You a Sense of the Hour
Trend Themes
1. Tactile Timekeeping - The Rub. Feel. Know Watch showcases the potential to provide tactile timekeeping experiences using texture and temperature.
2. Assistive Technology - Innovative products like the Rub. Feel. Know Watch can enhance independence and autonomy for individuals with visual impairments.
3. Designing for Inclusion - Creating inclusive designs, such as tactile timepieces, can unlock new markets and cater to diverse user needs.
Industry Implications
1. Watchmaking - Watchmakers can tap into the assistive technology trend by exploring tactile timepieces to create innovative and inclusive products.
2. Accessibility Technology - Companies specializing in accessibility technology can identify opportunities to create new solutions and improve existing ones with assistive wearables like the Rub. Feel. Know Watch.
3. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can leverage tactile timepieces to enhance independence for individuals with visual impairments, and to focus on other assistive products for those with other types of disabilities.