With a quick glance at the Tacdial Watch, you will be able to read the hour easily. Unlike most wristwatches, however, this one can be distinguished by the visually impaired without trouble. Every indicator has been embossed or impressed, and it's the shadows cast that make the markings obvious to the eye.
Ryan Kirkpatrick began with a squared face for the chronograph and put notches into it in a round format. Each of these 12 indentations represents an hour of the day, which is indicated by a sunken slit in the rotating dial. The minutes are communicated by a protruding dash that points within one of the dozen 5-minute sections. It would take the blind wearer of the Tacdial Watch just seconds to locate the two tangible hands and to consequently interpret the time.
Tactile Time Tellers
The Tacdial Watch was Designed to Be Deciphered by Touch
Trend Themes
1. Tactile Timepieces - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop watches with tactile indicators for the visually impaired to improve accessibility and inclusivity.
2. Embossed Indicators - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate embossed or impressed markings into various products to enhance visibility and usability.
3. Accessible Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate inclusive design principles into everyday products to cater to diverse user needs.
Industry Implications
1. Watch Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create specialized watches for the visually impaired to tap into a niche market and increase accessibility.
2. Assistive Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop tactile-based technologies and products to assist individuals with visual impairments in various aspects of life.
3. Product Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to incorporate tactile indicators and accessible design principles into a wide range of consumer products.