# Blind Touchscreen Gadgets Thimble Finger Glove Brings Visually Impaired into Tech Age By Meghan Young | Published 2010-12-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thimble-finger-glove References: [thedesignblog.org](http://www.thedesignblog.org/entry/thimble-finger-glove-allows-multimedia-access-to-the-visually-impaired/) & [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2010/12/concept-finger.php) As the world becomes more technologically advanced, some imparired individuals are being left behind--but with the Thimble Finger Glove, it won't be those that are visually impaired. Although just a concept right now, it is an innovative gadget that translates touchscreen information into braille at the touch of a [gloved finger](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voxelite). Designed by Erik Hedberg and Zack Bennet, the Thimble Finger Glove slips on the index finger. Embedded with an optical scanner, it [translates text into braille messages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dotary-device). It also acts as [GPS sensor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suite-of-technological-tools) to confirm their current location. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Touchscreen Accessibility:** The Thimble Finger Glove demonstrates the potential for innovative gadgets that make touchscreens more accessible for visually impaired individuals. - **Braille Technology:** The concept of integrating braille translation into wearable devices like the Thimble Finger Glove opens up opportunities for disruptive innovations in the field of braille technology. - **Sensor-enhanced Wearables:** The Thimble Finger Glove's integration of an optical scanner and GPS sensor highlights the potential for sensor-enhanced wearable devices for people with visual impairments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Assistive Technology:** The Thimble Finger Glove showcases the potential for disruptive innovations in the field of assistive technology for visually impaired individuals. - **Wearable Technology:** The concept of the Thimble Finger Glove presents opportunities for disruptive innovations in the wearable technology industry, specifically focusing on accessibility for visually impaired users. - **Navigation Technology:** The integration of a GPS sensor in the Thimble Finger Glove suggests possibilities for disruptive innovations in the navigation technology industry, catering to the needs of visually impaired individuals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md) - [Inclusive Smartphone Control Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-key-device.md) - [Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-mobile-technology.md) - [Impairment-Accessible Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dot-pad.md) - [Miniature Braille Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tdot-braille-keyboard.md) - [Tactile VR Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactglove.md) - [Miniature Haptic Communicators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onecoms-fintin-v1.md) - [Minimal Braille Learning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartio-edu.md) - [Accessible Keyboard-Like Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidimensional-communication.md)