# Tactile Tablet Prototypes This Tablet for Visually Impaired People Translates Images into Tactiles By Alyson Wyers | Published 2017-05-31 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tablet-for-visually-impaired References: [springwise](https://www.springwise.com/tactile-tablet-delivers-graphical-content-blind/) & [blindpad.eu](https://www.blindpad.eu/) This tactile tablet for visually impaired people makes it easier for the blind to interact with graphic content in an increasingly visual world. Funded by the European Union, BlindPad is a 2 million euro project coordinated by Luca Brayda from the Italian Institute of Technology in Geneva. BlindPad -- or Personal Assistive Devices for Blind and visually impaired people -- helps those who are at a disadvantage as websites become more graphically complex and visual content online progresses for those with sight. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a project partner, developed a prototype tablet for visually impaired people. The device uses electromagnetic technology to create Braille-like patterns that can be 'read' with fingers. As SpringWise puts it, "the idea is to translate visual concepts into tactile representations keeping energy consumption to a minimum." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Tactile Tablets:** The development of tactile tablets for visually impaired individuals represents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the assistive technology industry. - **Accessibility Tech:** The continued development of technology to make digital content more accessible for visually impaired individuals is a promising trend for businesses in the assistive technology industry. - **Electromagnetic Braille-like Patterns:** The use of electromagnetic technology to create Braille-like patterns on tactile tablets presents an opportunity for businesses specializing in assistive technology to develop and market new products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Assistive Technology:** The development of tactile tablets represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the assistive technology industry to create new products and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. - **Consumer Electronics:** The integration of tactile capabilities in consumer electronics, such as tablets and smartphones, could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses in the consumer electronics industry looking to improve accessibility and appeal to a wider range of consumers. - **Digital Content:** The development of technology to make digital content more accessible for visually impaired individuals represents a trend that businesses in the digital content industry should take note of to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all users. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessibility-Friendly Tactile Educational Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brailledoodle.md) - [Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-mobile-technology.md) - [Tactile Digital Comics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-digital-comics.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) - [Tablet-Based Video Magnifying Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-magnifier.md) - [Consolidated Eye-Tracking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-platform.md) - [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md) - [Redefined Braille E-Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dotary-device.md)