Innovators Design Products for a More Accessible World
From AI-powered glasses to robotic arms, companies are collaborating with people with disabilities to craft products meeting their unique needs. This inclusive approach leads to more effective, user-friendly designs that can improve lives.
Braille Tech Revolution
The Monarch, a portable tablet from **Humanware**, offers a refreshable braille experience. Its 10-line matrix of pins rises and falls, creating braille characters, images, and mathematical curves. The device allows users to easily navigate a book, with an external monitor for teachers.
Klaus Hars of **Inventivio** combines refreshable braille with audio. Their devices merge the best features of both – with a portable model for students, it assists with multiplication tables. A professional model boasts 10,000 pins to display graphs and spreadsheets.
“In the blind world, we have two major problems—one is unemployment, and the second issue is the learning opportunities in school are far fewer for blind people,”
—Klaus Hars, Co-founder, Inventivio
Bionic Limbs and Adaptive Design
Hugh Herr, co-leader of the Yang Center for Bionics at M.I.T., designs biomechatronic prostheses. These innovative limbs offer users control via their own muscles and nerves, providing sensory feedback. These designs are licensed by medical manufacturers, enhancing natural human movement.
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses, a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban, have transformed the lives of the blind and visually impaired. They include a 12-megapixel camera, open-ear audio, and AI. Users can identify currency, sort mail, and find bathrooms. Recent software updates deliver richer views and vocal feedback. They can also connect with a human volunteer via Be My Eyes.
Nike’s FlyEase sneakers exemplify universal design. Originally designed for a single athlete with cerebral palsy, the no-lace and slip-in style proved popular. These shoes have expanded to many sports lines.
According to the CDC, about 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability (CDC 2023). This statistic underscores the importance of innovative design solutions.
Feeding, Clothing, and Everyday Challenges
The Obi Robot provides independent eating for people with various disabilities. The compact robotic arm scoops food from bowls and feeds users, improving their social dining experiences. The cost of the Obi can often be offset by insurance or government programs.
Francoise Violet and **OXO** are known for universal design principles, with products designed for everyone. Their kitchen gadgets are easy to use for those with limited dexterity. **Primark** is leading the fashion industry with adaptive clothing. They make dressing easier with features like magnetic closures and pull-on pants.
Sam Latif, P&G’s Company Accessibility Leader, has developed tactile icons on packaging. They can be felt by blind and low-vision people. P&G also utilizes NaviLens QR-type codes. They provide access to razors and feminine products.
Support Systems and Equipment
Rifton Equipment collaborates with therapists and parents to design adaptive equipment for children. The focus is on the needs of children with disabilities at school. The goal is to improve the equipment and minimize delays.
Sony offers best-in-class features to help the aging community, and people with impaired vision. Their products include TVs, gaming systems, and cameras packed with accessibility features. **Mike Nejat** of Sony Electronics emphasizes that these features benefit both the disabled and aging populations.
Spectrum’s Spectrum Access app offers audio description for people with visual impairments. **Steve Raymond** of Charter Communications, says their accessibility team includes people with disabilities. They prioritize making products usable for all.
**Manmeet Maggu**, Trexo Robotics, founded Trexo to assist kids with cerebral palsy walk again. Their exoskeletons help kids with disabilities take steps. The company works to make their devices accessible.
Looking Ahead
The future of accessibility is bright, with more companies focusing on inclusive design. These innovations provide independence and improve the lives of people with disabilities, emphasizing the value of accessible products.