Illuminate images from within through the power of touch, sound, and smell.
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OUR IMPACT
Visual accessibility for the visually impaired
We have worked with the blind community for over a decade to develop our patented process that allows blind and visually impaired individuals to experience imagery through touch and sensory stimulation.
These transformative experiences allow visitors to develop firsthand connections with a wide range of visual and graphic material, including art, photography, diagrams, maps, and more.
OUR TECHNOLOGY
What is a “tactile image”?
Learn more about what goes into building a life-changing experience.
A tactile image harnesses the senses of touch, sound, and sometimes smell to help the blind and visually impaired community experience visual knowledge in a meaningful way. Having worked extensively with the blind community, our patented technology allows the visually impaired to create accurate mental pictures of visual imagery without the need for a sighted companion.
HOW IT WORKS
The elements of a tactile image
There are many different elements that work together to create the interactive experience of a tactile image.
In addition to 3D imagery, braille is used for text, and a combination of sensors are embedded in strategic locations to provide a customized, touch-activated narrative. Olfactory sensors can also be added to bring another level of depth and authenticity to the image.
Move the slider left and right to explore how a visual image translates into a tactile image.
Move the slider left and right to explore how a visual image translates into a tactile image.
Explore how each of the main elements work together to create a tactile experience:
3D Sculpted Image
The 2D visual media file is digitally sculpted from a large substrate in a process that is similar to sculpting marble or clay.
Use of Braille
Braille is used to communicate important information about the image, including its origins, history, notable features, and more.
Audio Components
Touch-activated sensors are placed at strategic locations to provide customized narratives for a richer understanding of the image.
Click on any of the red dots superimposed on the tactile image to play their corresponding audio segments.
OUR PROCESS
Creating accessible art
From 2D to 3D, for all to “see”
In order to create a tactile image, a technician first converts the chosen piece of 2D visual media into a digital 3D file. Once approved, the file is digitally sculpted from a large substrate in a process that is similar to sculpting marble or clay — “removing” material that is not required to create the shape and texture of the image
After this initial sculpting is complete, the high-resolution image is printed in register on top. Our printer is capable of creating three-dimensional bas-relief sculptures of up to 5 x 10 feet. Multiple coats of UV protectant with hardeners are then applied to protect the tactile image.
This entire process typically takes approximately 90 days and can be used to convert a wide range of 2D images including:
- Architectural renderings
- Collages
- Diagrams
- Drawings historical
- Documents and manuscripts
- Maps
- Paintings
- Photographs
- Satellite Imagery
- Schematics
- Scientific and Mathematical Formulae
We don't see with our eyes or hear with our ears; these are just the receptors. Seeing and hearing in fact goes on in the brain.
USING SCIENCE FOR SOCIAL GOOD
Giving back control to the visually impaired community
How kinesthetic learning enables freedom, independence, and equality.
From our close research into the needs of the blind and visually impaired, we realized just how critical visual information is to living a full life. In order to make that a reality, we built our technology on the tenets of kinesthetic learning, using the senses of touch, hearing, and smell, which work together in the brain to replace the sense of sight in a meaningful way.
So, when a blind or visually impaired user engages with a tactile image, they are able to use this confluence of sensory stimulation to form a mental picture for themselves — without having to rely on secondhand interpretations — creating a genuine experience on par with that of a sighted individual.
BLIND AT SEVEN, CHANGED FOR LIFE
How we opened the world back up for seven-year-old Luc Gandarias.
At the age of seven, Luc Gandarias, a healthy and athletic child, unexpectedly became blind. His doctors offered no hope, telling his parents to just “take him home and love him,” as if his blindness was a life sentence. We disagreed.
PARTNER WITH US
Help make images more accessible at your institution.
Traveling exhibits
Experience tactile images firsthand at one of our traveling exhibitions available around the world.
Learn more
Custom projects
Have a project in mind? Work with us to create a custom installation for your institution.
Learn moreInterested in hosting a traveling exhibition?
Start planning with us.