Navigating a big world, not to mention smaller busy cities, can be a chore even for those with their eyesight intact; the visually-impaired footwear hopes to help the blind get around more easily and accurately. This visually-impaired footwear vibrates to signal what direction to go in. This is achieved through Bluetooth-enabled technology.
A great alternative to voice directions, which can complicate one of their most crucial senses, this visually-impaired footwear is part of the Lechal Intiative. Based in Andhra Pradesh, India, Lechal was founded by Krispian Lawrence and Anirudh Sharma, graduates of MIT and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Psfk reports, "Users can tag destinations by tapping their feet, share their route with friends, set fitness milestones and track their daily activity."
Vibrating Visually-Impaired Footwear
The Lechal Initiative Helps the Blind Feel their Direction
Trend Themes
1. Visually-impaired Footwear - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced haptic feedback technology for visually-impaired individuals to navigate their surroundings more easily and accurately.
2. Bluetooth-enabled Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create new applications and devices that utilize Bluetooth technology to enhance accessibility for visually-impaired individuals.
3. Fitness Tracking for Visually-impaired - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design specialized fitness tracking features specifically tailored for visually-impaired individuals to help them achieve their fitness milestones.
Industry Implications
1. Assistive Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new assistive technologies that enable visually-impaired individuals to navigate the world more independently.
2. Wearable Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design innovative wearable devices that incorporate haptic feedback technology for enhancing accessibility and navigation.
3. Fitness and Wellness - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create inclusive fitness and wellness solutions that cater specifically to the needs of visually-impaired individuals.