Product design and development of a reading aid for the visually impaired

Abstract

One of the main hurdles for the blind are to read, easily and there by learn and graduate. Various researches are happening to reduce the effort required for the blind to read in terms of aids which can speak out the written data. The current research targets to design and fabricate a reading aid for the visually impaired. This device will help them to identify the text written in any book or page by scanning the text and speaking it out to them with the help of a mobile application called KNFB reader which helps to read anything to blind or dyslexic people. This project utilizes the fact that majority of the people use smartphones, which can be used for the advantage of the blind people. Based on a survey conducted among the blind people with the help of an NGO Anuprayas all the criteria for the design of reading aid, in the current project were selected. Four sample designs were prepared after taking the criteria for reading aid into consideration. Forced Decision matrix (FD) analysis and Decision alternative ratio System (DARE) analysis, which are tools to rank the properties based on the priority, were conducted to identify the most influential parameter for the design. The parameters were ranked based on these analyses. The ergonomics, cost and durability were the most important properties desired in the product. This product can be deployed for the effective utilization by public at railway stations, bus stations, libraries etc. This will enable the blind to be selfindependent and have the information available for them whenever they need it.