# 3D-Printed Campus Maps This Tactile Braille College Map Was Designed for the Visually Impaired By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-08-08 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/college-map References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160807-texas-am-student-3d-prints-tactile-maps-of-campus-for-the-visually-impaired.html) In order to make it easier for students with visual impairments to understand and navigate [Texas A&M University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campus-beautification), freshman engineering student Tyler Wooten created a [tactile 3D-printed college map](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-mapping-project) with braille. While taking a [3D printing course](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sketch-print) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **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. - **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. - **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. ### Where This Applies - **Education:** The education industry can implement tactile 3D printing technology and inclusive campus design to improve accessibility for visually impaired students. - **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. - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry can benefit from the development of innovative tactile 3D printing solutions that enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessibility-Friendly Tactile Educational Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brailledoodle.md) - [Minimal Braille Learning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartio-edu.md) - [Inclusive Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-label-maker.md) - [On-Demand Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot.md) - [Electronic 3D Book Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbook.md) - [Accessible 3D Station Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-station-maps.md) - [Engaging Braille Education Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-learning-device.md) - [Unique 3D Printing Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-church.md) - [3D Printing Resource Databases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printlab.md)