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What Are the Best Lower-Impact Fabrics and Fibres on the Market Right Now? - Good On You

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Choosing clothes made from more sustainable fabrics is one of the best things we can do to make our wardrobes more eco-friendly. Here are our top eight picks.

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Sustainable Fabrics • Guide on the most ethical materials [2020] — SustainYourStyle

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🌿What are the most sustainable materials? ⭐Check out our textile shopping guide to know what fiber productions have a low impact on the environment.

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Accessible art museums for people with visual impairment

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Accessible art museums for people with visual impairment

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Earlier this month, we did a podcast episode with the blind artist Emilie Gossiaux who discussed everything from life as a blind artist, museum accessibility and how people with a vision impairment experience art. There's still an awful long way to go for museums in making sure that they are accessible, but we still want to encourage everyone, no matter their level of sight, to go and enjoy the art. In that spirit, we've collected 10 art and museum experiences that are accessible for people who are blind or low vision in the hopes that you'll be able to enjoy one of them, or any other museum or exhibition that you'd like to visit. And remember that if you need a little extra visual description of the pieces, you can always call one of the more than 3 million Be My Eyes volunteers, who are waiting at the other end of the line.

Madrid, Spain

Museo Tiflologico is a tactile museum created by ONCE, the national blind association in Spain. The goal of the museum is to offer people who are blind or have low-vision a standard way of accessing a museum without sight being a barrier and is designed specifically for people with a vision impairment. The museum offers several different exhibitions that include models of famous buildings, the history of braille and tactile artworks created by visually impaired artists that can all be experienced through sight and touch.

Museo Tiflologico website (Spanish)Review by mother who visited Museo Toflogico with her blind son

London, UK
V&A's events for blind and visually impaired
About once a month, the V&A offers a tour specifically for visitors with a vision impairment. The program changes every month and focuses on some of the V&A different exhibitions. On December 7th, the V&A has a descriptive talk and tour of their car exhibition, where you can learn more about the role of the car through history and what impact cars have had on our world. The V&A's touch and descriptive tours are free, but you'll need to book in advance to participate, as the tours have limited spots. Besides the tours, the V&A offers extensive accessibility info online, guiding services, braille books and audio descriptions, as well as multisensory backpack that allows blind children to explore the museum through multisensory activities. ‍

Washington DC, US
Check out upcoming Insight tours‍
The Smithsonian is another museum that offers descriptive tours for blind and low-vision visitors. On these tours, you'll be led by a docent and discover the highlights of the American Art Museum through detailed descriptions and sensory descriptions. Some tours are even followed by a musical performance! In the following month, Smithsonian offers an Insight tour of the American Art Museum on December 8th and of the Renway Gallery on December 22nd. The Insight tours are free to attend. ‍

Learn more about what an Insight tour is like ‍
Learn more about Touching Masterpieces

Prague, Czech Republic

Relaxed Opening Mornings at the Mary Rose
The National Gallery of Prague offers blind and low-vision visitors a VR experience that allows them to "touch" three of the world's biggest sculptural masterpieces. With haptic feedback gloves, blind and low-vision can explore VR replicas of The Head of Nefertiti, Venus de Milo, and Michelangelo's David by touch, allowing them to really experience the artworks for the first time. ‍

Portsmouth, UK
The Colour I Touch at Istanbul Modern
Many museums use dim lighting to protect the artwork. That makes it difficult, however for people with low vision to appreciate the art. The Mary Rose museums solution is to host a so-called Relaxed Opening Morning once a month, where they will turn up the light and turn down the sound effects, and invite visually impaired people to come explore their collection. The next Relaxed Opening Morning is on December 20th from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Istanbul, Turkey
Museum Van Loon visitor information
The Color I Touch is an educational program for blind children hosted by Istanbul Modern. The program consists of expert-guided exhibition tours, workshops and audio described film screenings to introduce the children to art and give them an opportunity to explore and interpret it. The Colors I Touch is offered for free for blind children.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Learn more about Hands on the Wall Watch a video about Hans on the Wall

The Van Loon house is located in the heart of Amsterdam and used to be the home of co-founder of the Dutch East India Company, Willem van Loon, and his family. The house and collection is now open to the public 7 days a week. The Van Loon offers guided tours for vision impaired visitors, where you are able to touch parts of the collection. The tours happen once a month on the first Sunday of the month from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, and costs 5 € in addition to the entrance fee. The tours are only available in Dutch.

Learn more about the Tactual Museum

Santiago, Chile
DeCordova Accessibility Information Review of the Touch Tour of the Sculpture Park

While accessibility measured are made in many museums, they are rarely found when it comes to public art. But in Santiago, people who are blind or low-vision can experience some of the city's exciting street art. Six murals of the Barrio Lastarria neighbourhood has been equipped with touch panels, braille and an audio guide, so that vision impaired art lovers can experience the large-scale artwork through their fingers on the tactile panel.

Athens, Greece

The ancient Greek culture is rich in sculptures and artwork, but difficult to enjoy if you have a vision impairment. The goal behind the Tactual Museum in Athens, created by Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece, was to find a way for blind and low-vision people to enjoy the ancient greek artwork. All the museums pieces are copies of originals found in other museums around the country, and all pieces can be experienced by touch.

Lincoln, MA, US

The deCordova Sculpture Park displays a wide variety of contemporary outdoor sculptures. Sight impaired visitors can experience the Sculpture Park through a touch tour from April to November. The guided tours provide unique access to experience selected sculptures through tactile exploration.

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10 Accessible Art and Museum Experiences for People who are Blind or have Low Vision

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Most people think of art and museums as something very visual, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it as a blind or low-vision individual. We have collected 10 museums and initiatives from around the world that are making the experience accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.

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Exploring the materials and tactile uses for sensory kids toys as a way to find the right materials to use for my sensory card

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We will be the company that creates a more emotionally connected world by making a genuine difference in every life, every day.

That our products and services must enrich people's lives.

That creativity and quality - in our products, services and all that we do - are essential to our success.

That innovation in all areas of our business is essential to attaining and sustaining leadership.

That the people of Hallmark are our company's most valuable resource.

That distinguished financial performance is imperative to accomplish our broader purpose.

That our private ownership must be preserved.

Excellence in all we do.

High standards of ethics and integrity.

Caring and responsible corporate citizenship for Kansas City and for each community in which we operate.

These beliefs and values guide our business strategies, our corporate behavior, and our relationships with business partners, suppliers, customers, communities and each other.

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Hallmark Beliefs & Values | Hallmark Corporate Information

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We will be the company that creates a more emotionally connected world by making a genuine difference in every life, every day. That our products and services must enrich people's lives. That creativity and quality - in our products, services and all that we do - are essential to our success.

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One of the feedback from my Hallmark presentations was that, Hallmark as a brand are trying to be as sustainable as possible, so they told me that I need to be careful when choosing what tactile materials to use within the sensory card. So I am researching materials that I will be able to use within my sensory card

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I looked into the types of paper G.F Smith have available for the embossing options

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Understanding embossing and Debossing and how it can be used

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Multi-sensory design  acknowledges that people experience and react to space in many ways, subtle and obvious, consciously and unconsciously. This website highlights a range of inputs our five senses perceive, and some of the many multisensory options designers and occupants can consider employing to engender increased wellness in the workplace.

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Idea 3- An online virtual card company, that tailors cards to the needs of visually impaired people

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Idea 3- An online virtual card company, that tailors cards to the needs of visually impaired people

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My third idea is creating a virtual card company that customises the greeting card to the needs or the visually impaired reciever. You are able to type in all the requirements you want your card to include e.g. large text, certain colours, certain typeface etc. This website then generates your greeting card based on the requirments you have entered. This ensures that the card is accessible and suited to the needs to of person recieving your card. This is a great way for the card to be accessible to the certain person and also is inclusive as certain existing cards are not tailored to the needs of partially sighted people and that can sometimes make them feel exluded.

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Idea 2-  A series of sensory greeting cards for the visually impaired

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Idea 2-  A series of sensory greeting cards for the visually impaired

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My second idea is based on creating a sub brand for Hallmark, in which there will be a series of sensory designed greeting cards for the visually impaired, that allows them to experience recieving greeting cards but in a way that is accessible to them. The idea of creating a sub brand for Hallmark means that these cards will promoted on a bigger scale, more memorable and associated with a card company, but will still be an individual range of cards with its own identity that people will recognise and it will help them understand the promise of the products more. These cards will be a 3D shape, which open up and in the centre of the card are several tactile textures and materials which are used as a way to tell a certain message from loved ones. For example feathers could be used and they would represent sending warm hugs, the reciever uses their touch to feel around the texture. This way they experience the message sent and is much more accessible to them in comparison to a card that just uses small text which can be hard for visually impaired people to depict and read. This card will be customisable in the sense that you can design most of it yourself. You can choose existing patterns or include your own pictures on the outside, and the inside you choose the textures or materials used to send them the message you want them to recieve. This way it makes it more personal and memorable to the person recieving the card as it is tailored to their likes and also makes it a cherisable element as it is unique as it was designed for them.

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Idea 1- Sensory book, telling a story through touch,smell and sound

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Idea 1- Sensory book, telling a story through touch,smell and sound

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Idea 1-   Sensory book, telling a story through touch,smell and sound

My first initial idea is based on story telling through using sensory elements, my inspiration for this was the research I conducted on kids sensory play toys. This research inspired me to use sensory aspects as a way of learning about the world. In this case my idea is based on using sensory elements to tell a story as well as being educational about visual impairment and the features used in our communities today that allow visually impaired to be more independant and safe, for example tactile paving, smart technology etc. Before this project I myself was aware of some features that are used to help visually impaired, but since starting this project and conducting more research I have found out about all these techniques in more depth and discovered new ones, how they are used and how they help. I think most people are aware of some of these features but arent educated on how they work or what they do. Through this sensory book I aim to educate people on the uses of features for the partially sighted, I would incorporate sensory elements like tough and sound, that will allow this to be a more memorable and fun experience and way of learning.

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This website shows the different types of visual impairment and effects of the condition. This website also displays the difference in vision between a person with normal vision and a person with the given visual impairment and how they see

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Most Common Adult Vision Problems

Most Common Childhood Vision Problems

Blurred vision (refractive errors)

Nearsightedness (called myopia) is when you can see clearly up close but blurry in the distance.

Farsightedness (called hyperopia) is when you can see clearly in the distance but blurry up close.

If you are older than 40 and have trouble reading small print or focusing up close, this is usually due to a condition called presbyopia. One in every three people 40 years or older in the U.S. will need glasses to read smaller print.

Astigmatism is another condition that causes blurred vision, but it is because of the shape of the cornea.

These conditions affect the shape of the eye and, in turn, how the eye sees. They can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, and in some cases surgery.

What are the risk factors for developing refractive errors?

Family history - parent(s) who have one or more refractive errors

Advancing age - presbyopia affects most adults over age 35

Crossed Eyes (strabismus)

Strabismus occurs when the eyes do not line up or they are crossed. One eye, however, usually remains straight at any given time. Common forms of strabismus include:

Esotropia - one or both eyes turn inward toward the nose

Exotropia - one or both eyes turn out; also called wall-eyed

Hypertropia - one or both eyes turn up

Hypotropia - one or both eyes turn down

If detected early in life, strabismus can be treated and even reversed.

If left untreated strabismus can cause amblyopia.

What are the risk factors for strabismus?

Family history of strabismus

Having a significant amount of uncorrected farsightedness (hyperopia)

Disabilities such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy

Stroke or head injury

Lazy Eye (amblyopia)

Amblyopia - often called lazy eye - is a problem that is common in children.

Amblyopia is a result of the brain and the eyes not working together. The brain ignores visual information from one eye, which causes problems with vision development.

Treatment for amblyopia works well if the condition is found early. If untreated, amblyopia causes permanent vision loss.

What are the risk factors for amblyopia?

Premature birth

Low birth weight

Retinopathy of prematurity diagnosis

Cerebral palsy diagnosis

Intellectual disability diagnosis

Family history of certain eye conditions

Maternal smoking, drug or alcohol use

Surgery on eye muscles for esotropia (eyes turn in toward nose)

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

All people with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, are at risk for DR. It is caused by damage to blood vessels in the back of the eye ( retina). The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get DR.

People with this condition may not notice any changes to their vision until the damage to the eyes is severe. This is why it is so important for people with diabetes to have a comprehensive eye exam every year.

There are four stages of DR. During the first three stages of DR, treatment is usually not needed. To prevent progression of diabetic retinopathy, people with diabetes should control their levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol. For the fourth stage of DR, called proliferative retinopathy, there are treatments that reduce vision loss, but are not a cure for DR.

Warning signs of diabetic retinopathy includes blurred vision, gradual vision loss, floaters, shadows or missing areas of vision, and difficulty seeing at nighttime.

People with diabetes are at greater risk for cataract and glaucoma as well.

What are the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

Type 1 or 2 diabetes

Poor control of blood sugar level

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Pregnancy

Being African American or Hispanic

Smoking

Photos courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision needed to see straight-ahead. It affects the part of the eye called the macula that is found in the center of the retina. The macula lets a person see fine detail and is needed for things like reading and driving.

The more common dry form of AMD can be treated in the early stages to delay vision loss and possibly prevent the disease from progressing to the advanced stage. Taking certain vitamins and minerals may reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD.

The less common wet form of AMD may respond to treatment, if diagnosed and treated early.

What are the risk factors for AMD?

Type 1 or 2 diabetes

Poor control of blood sugar level

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Pregnancy

Being African American or Hispanic

Smoking

Photos courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Glaucoma

There are different types of glaucoma, but all of them cause vision loss by damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma is called the "sneak thief of sight" because people don't usually notice a problem until some vision is lost.

The most common type of glaucoma happens because of slowly increasing fluid pressure inside the eyes.

Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be corrected. But if it is found early, vision loss can be slowed or stopped. A comprehensive eye exam is important so glaucoma can be found early.

What are the risk factors for glaucoma? Anyone can have glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk of developing the disease.

African Americans over age 40

Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans

Those with a family history of glaucoma

Photos courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It often leads to poor vision at night, especially while driving, due to glare from bright lights.

Cataracts are most common in older people, but can also occur in young adults and children.

Cataract treatment is very successful and widely available.

What are the risk factors for cataracts?

Age, cataracts are more common after age 60

Certain diseases such as diabetes

Smoking and alcohol use

Too much exposure to sunlight

Photos courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health

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Nearsightedness (called myopia) is when you can see clearly up close but blurry in the distance. Farsightedness (called hyperopia) is when you can see clearly in the distance but blurry up close. If you are older than 40 and have trouble reading small print or focusing up close, this is usually due to a condition called presbyopia.

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Tactile materials are used in an important way within childrens sensory play. Sensory play is beyond important and should be incorporated as much as possible with all kids. It is a great way to support language development,cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction. Sensory play utalises the idea of touch and the senses with tactile materials. The idea of using tactile textures as a way to create a sensory experience is one i would like to explore more and possibly develop into a concept for this project.

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Audio cards where you can record your own personalised message to share a memory or personalised meaningful message, that can be kept as a keepsake and creates a more memorable gift for somebody.

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How a museum in the Netherlands supports visually impaired people to experience the place through the use of their senses, by allowing them to touch objects. This is a way that allows them to be involved and experience the place in a way that is safe and allows them to feel involved.

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This website looks at the question "should visually impaired receive greeting cards" blind and visually impaired people enjoy receiving greeting cards and pictures. Just because they can’t see the words or images doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy receiving them! This website shows lots of great alternatives to greeting cards that are more accessible to blind or visually impaired people.
For example-

Tactile cards

Some greeting cards nowadays have raised or embossed images. Often the paper has simple embossed designs, while other cards have tactile shapes made from materials like felt or glitter.

E-Cards

As the name suggests, these are digital greeting cards one can send via email. They often include picture animations and short audio clips. People can even personalize the cards with pictures and short audio recorded messages of their choice.

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With 4.5% of the global population experiencing color blindness, 4% suffering from low vision, and another 0.6% being blind, visual difficulties with using the web are more prevalent than you might appreciate. This guide will look at how designing for people with visual impairments can improve the web for everyone. This website is a guide for how to make design accessible for partially sighted and the typical standards that need to be used when designing things for the visually impaired

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Accessibility for Everyone

Today's web must be made accessible for everyone-regardless of a person's abilities or impairments.

"Accessibility ensures people with disabilities can access the same information from a system as everyone else, and also gain the same benefits"

As outlined in a previous article, there exists a wide range of impairments, from five notable areas:

This guide will focus on designing for visual impairments, which can be quite common, ranging from mild to extreme disabilities. In fact, Cathy O'Conner (designer, and author for Smashing Magazine) estimated that for every two million online customers, around 200,000 would benefit from designs that are easier to see.

That's a fair estimation, especially considering how anyone can develop low vision impairments as they get older.

Types of Visual Impairment

Common visual impairments can include:

Color Blindness

Color Blindness involves difficulty in perceiving or distinguishing between colours, as well as sensitivity to color brightness. It affects approximately 4.5% of the entire global population.

Low Vision

Low vision can include partial sight in one or both eyes, poor acuity (blurry vision), tunnel vision, central field loss, and clouded vision. It affects 246 million people, or about 4% of the world's population.

Blindness

Blindness is the substantial loss of vision in both a person's eyes. It affects approximately 39 million people, or 0.6% of people.

People Perceive the Web Differently

The diverse nature of these impairments can create a wide variation in how web pages are perceived by people with different visual abilities. As outlined above, a large number of people suffer from visual impairments, so we must ensure they can access and interpret all features the same.

Viewing the Tumblr Homepage With Visual Impairments

As an example, consider Tumblr's homepage, where the background of the page is set to a large image (created by their users):

Depending on the type and level of visual impairment a person may have, the site could be perceived in a number of ways (here simulated with the NoCoffee Chrome extension):

The examples above show different types of low vision impairments, and also a couple of examples of colour blindness. To summarise:

Tunnel vision (see image 1) is a type of blocked peripheral vision, which reduces the amount of visible elements on the screen. The user can only see central elements.

Loss of acuity, or blurred vision (see image 3), makes text difficult to read, as it becomes fuzzy to the user.

Color blindness (see image 5) reduces the number of colours a user can see, so there is more chance that elements can appear to be similar.

Variations in Perception Affect Usability

Due to these variations in perception, key elements of a given website can become less accessible (and therefore less usable) depending on the extent of a user's visual impairment.

Inaccessible features

For example, a loss of acuity (blurry vision) can make the search bar on the Tumblr website almost disappear into the background. The same can be said for the login button:

Compare the search bar on the image to the left with that on the right-on the right, the search bar has blended into the background, and is barely visible.

Colors lose significance

Moving away from the Tumblr example, consider a person with red/green color blindness (protanopia). On a Google search results page, the color used to represent the current page of results appears less significant to a color blind user, possible making it slightly less meaningful:

The contrast from red and yellow, is less obvious to a color blind user, and appears more like a light greenish color against a dark green.

Presentation of Content

Both of the above examples show how variations in perception can affect the usability of core features. Thankfully though, people with such visual impairments can alter the presentation of content so that elements become more accessible and usable to them. This can be done by:

🔍 Enlarging the text size

🎨 Customizing color contrasts

👁‍🗨 Using screen readers (blindness)

🎞 Subtitles or captions on videos

📝 Alternative image text to describe images

Such adjustments can be made through default settings in a web browser. Additionally, more advanced alterations have been made available through browser accessibility extensions. For example, Google have built various accessibility plugins for visually impaired users:

ExtensionAccessibility Developer Tools: add an Accessibility audit, and an Accessibility sidebar pane in the Elements tab, to your Chrome Developer Tools.

High Contrast: browse the web with your choice of several high-contrast color filters designed to make it easier to read text.

ChromeVox: brings the speed, versatility, and security of Chrome to visually impaired users.

High Contrast, for example, lets people vary the contrast of a website, making text clearer to read. Here it is in action on the Spotify homepage:

As seen above, the browser extension can:

Increase contrast

Set to grayscale

Invert colors

Invert grayscale

Use yellow on black

With all the different visual impairments, and the large range of tools that can be used to alter how content appears, it becomes clear that we cannot always determine how web pages will be displayed or perceived by people.

Since content can appear in a number of ways, we must therefore be careful of how our content is structured, even at the coding level. That's because it becomes important to maintain a clear hierarchy of information, as people can use different means to present that information. Let's now take a look at some best practices to ensure our content is always accessible, no matter how it is displayed:

Best Practices

Here's a list of six best practices to make your designs better for those with visual impairments.

1. Separate Content and Structure

It's important we ensure web content is independent of its underlying structure. When changes to presentation can include the size of elements (such as text and images), the spacing between elements, or whether elements can be seen at all (blind users may not see images), it becomes clear that the developer can't determine how content will be viewed at any given time.

As stated by the W3C, to enable different browsing methods to work (e.g. using screen readers or keyboard navigation), developers must ensure that their code provides a structure that is independent of presentation:

"Developers need to ensure that the presentation of web content is independent of its underlying structure" - W3C

A solid structure will also provide relevant semantic tags such as headers, paragraphs, and list item tags to ensure that, for example, a screen-reader can interpret the information and present it in an alternative way:

2. Provide Text Alternatives

As explained previously, certain structural elements, especially images, cannot be perceived by some users. For instance, blind people using assistive technologies (such as screen readers) to interpret websites will hear the alternative text attributed to the image read out, rather than actually seeing the image. If that text is not present, or fails to be descriptive enough, they won't be able to perceive the information as intended.

Here is an example from the University of Leicester, showing accurate alternative text, which provides more context to the user:

Ability.net provide five golden rules for using alt tags (text alternatives) correctly in order to make a website more accessible:

1. Every <img> must have an alt="" attribute

2. Describe the information, not the picture

3. Active images require descriptive alt text

4. Images that contain information require descriptive alt text

5. Decorative images should have empty alt text

3. Avoid Using Color to Convey Information

Color is not the best way to convey information, as shown by the following example. Below, a red border is used to highlight form fields that have not been filled in correctly. Consequently, if a user is color blind, they won't be able to see this indication, so it becomes difficult to understand which fields have errors:

The use of icons and labels to show which fields are invalid better communicates the information to a color blind user:

Example from Bootstrap v4

This example shows that color should not be used on its own to convey information, but only in addition to existing information.

4. Use Textures Instead of Color

Color blind users may also find it difficult to tell the difference between certain colors. For instance, green, red, and brown can look very similar:

Therefore, when colors are used on charts and graphs, it can be useful to apply patterned overlays to solid colors in order to give users a clearer way to distinguish between elements. This not only helps those who are color blind, but also makes it easier for everyone. Consider Trello's labels for an example of applying textures:

5. Try Monochromatic Color Schemes

Monochromatic color schemes make use of only the colors of a single hue. Here's an example, created with paletton.com:

By only using shades of a single hue, any extra meaning that would could have been introduced by different color hues are removed.

Variations in contrast and tones can be used to provide meaning or importance to elements, and attract user attention to different areas. The meaning here can also be more easily carried across to color blind users as shown in the following example of a monochromatic site.

BIGSOUND Buzz is a website that makes great use of a monochromatic color scheme:

A colour blind user will see all the same tones and contrasts, but in a different hue:

6. Use Contrasting Colours for Better Readability

Contrast is the difference between the lightest color (e.g. the background), and the darkest color (e.g. the text). For example, consider this contrast sensitivity chart:

The top left (letter A) has the highest contrast, and as we move right, the contrast decreases, as the difference in luminance between background and foreground reduces. Eventually, depending on a person's contrast sensitivity, they won't be able to distinguish the text from the background.

Therefore, to ensure text is readable by people with visual impairments, the WCAG has provided a contrast ratio guideline. They suggest that a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 should exist between a text and its background. This ratio drops to 3:1 for larger text (24px or 29px bold).

An example of this ratio is shown in the examples below, from accessebility.psu.edu:

Inclusive Design Improves the Product for Everyone

Overall, by designing inclusively of the most extreme disabilities first, it almost always improves the end product for everyone else.

For instance, designing for people with no vision can lay a great foundation for those who can see. This is because it puts us in a position to ensure that the structure of the website is independent of its presentation, and can be interpreted by assistive technologies as well as people. Therefore, if presentational changes were to happen for any other reason, the structure of the website will still be accessible.

Additionally, ensuring color is only used to highlight what is already visible is another great step towards building a highly accessible, and therefore usable website. A useful design process can therefore be to design early iterations of a product in grayscale, and then apply colors at the very end.

Further Reading and Resources

You don't need to reinvent the wheel when creating accessible designs; there are many design systems and guidelines that can help you.

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Accessibility Basics: Designing for Visual Impairment | Envato Tuts+

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This guide will look at how designing for people with visual impairments can improve the web for everyone.

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This website displays the type standards when designing for people with visual impairment. This is really helpful as it allows me to see what font style and size I need to use within my designs to ensure that it is accessible for visually impaired individuals.

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Font Legibility for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

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In order to successfully read print, the student must be provided with print that is legible. Not only should there be consideration for the type style and fonts that are used, but there must be consideration for the quality of copies. In an effort to con

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https://www.pharmabraille.com/pharmaceutical-braille/the-braille-alphabet/
RNIB Website-
"Braille is a system of raised dots used by blind people to read and write. It was invented in 1824 by the Frenchman Louis Braille. A braille “cell” is made up of six dots like a domino, with each letter using a different pattern. There are some short forms of common words."

Braille characters are three dimensional tactile bumps on a medium such as paper or board. In order for these bumps to be represented, viewed, checked and controlled on digital artwork the designer places appropriately sized and spaced filled circles on the artwork layout. The circles can be constructed from a simple grid of dots, but the most efficient method of creating braille print artwork is with a braille font.

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Thursday 1st April

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My Hallmark presentation otter notes recording

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Otter.ai uses artificial intelligence to empower users with real-time transcription meeting notes that are shareable, searchable, accessible and secure.

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Experimenting with the folding paper workshop

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Experimenting with the folding paper workshop

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Parallel fold

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Experimenting with the folding paper workshop 

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Experimenting with the folding paper workshop 

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Concertina booklet

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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Video explaining the idealism of giving a good gift, what people expect, what we give and personal gifts.

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How to Give a Good Gift | Jennifer Rothschild | TEDxUF

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My Hallmark presentation slides

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Audience- Who is the card for?

The card is suitable for anyone of all ages- The overall brand is aimed at partially sighted individuals, but anyone can experience the card.

As the card is customisable, you essentially design the card catered to the needs of the person that is recieving the card, you pick the design or you can add images of yourself and your loved one to the card and you choose the textures inside. So whoever you need the card to be for, you design it in a way that they like and a way that is accessible to them.

The cards have be designed to cater for a wide range of forms of visual impairment. For those with mild visual impairment the cards will use bold colours and large legible font and for those with more severe impairments the design on the outside can be embossed, which adds a tactile element, enabling them to touch and feel the card. The inside is obviously focused on the idea that instead of using small text and illegible type where the reciever with visual impairment struggles to read it, they can instead experience through touch what their loved one wants to say to them.

Platform/ format- what is it what does it do?

It is a brand of sensory cards that enable visually impaired to experience recieveing a greetings card in a way that is accessible to them. It is a 3D structure that when opened reveals tactile textures that the reciever can touch and feel around. Each of these textures represents a certain message e.g. Embossed hearts represent I love you so much. The card is customisable and so has to be purchased online, the person sending the card chooses all the elements like the outside design and the inside textures so that it caters to the person that is recieving it and also chooses the textures based on what they want to say.

When would it be used?

The cards can be sent to the person on all types of ocassions, birthdays, christmas, valentines, just to say thank you etc. You choose what you want the card to be for and what you want it to say to the reciever.

Where would it be used?

It would be used by the person that you send the card to, it is a more accessible way for visually impaired to interact/experience greeting cards

Intended purpose / use of your idea: Why is it useful?

It is useful because through research I found that visually impaired people find it hard to interact with normal greeting cards due to the small font size and designs that can make it harder for them to read/ experience the card that they recieve. Using tactile elements enables them to touch and feel around textures and experience the card in an accessible way. It makes it more inclusive to have something like this on the market.

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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Displaying how tactile elements are added into our public spaces to allow visually impaired to navigate their way around through the use of these tactile elements.

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Designing and Navigating Spaces for the Vision Impaired | BigRentz

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Recommendations for design features for outdoor and indoor spaces, and long walkways, as well as special considerations for those who walk with canes or guide dogs, and those who have issues with colorblindness, depth perception, or scope-of-field.

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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https://www.ethicalgiftbox.com/collections/celebration-appreciation

https://www.shegotguts.com/posts/2018/12/3/the-ultimate-list-our-favorite-sensory-toys

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation

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What are tactile graphics?

Tactile graphics are a means of conveying non-textual information to people who are blind or visually impaired, and may include tactile representations of pictures, maps, graphs, diagrams, and other images. A person with a visual impairment can feel these raised lines and surfaces in order to obtain the same information that people who are sighted get through looking at pictures or other visual images.

Teaching Tactile Graphics
By Lucia Hasty

In this Perkins webcast, Ms. Hasty discusses special relationship and graphic literacy, moving from models to graphics, and strategies for teaching students to read tactile graphics. Ch. 1: Introduction, Ch. 2: Spatial Relationship and Graphic Literacy, Ch. 3: Moving from Models to Graphics, and Ch. 4: Strategies for Reading Tactile Graphics.

Teachers of the visually impaired often produce tactile graphics to accompany classroom materials and activities. It must be remembered that tactile graphics are not automatically meaningful to students who are blind or visually impaired. Students must first have an understanding of that which is being represented. For example, a raised map of Africa will have little meaning for a child who has never heard of Africa and who does not grasp the fact that the world is made up of different continents. In order for tactile graphics to have meaning, a student must have a good understanding of symbolic representation, spatial orientation, and basic tactual perceptual skills.

To learn more, read Teaching Tactile Graphics adapted from materials by Lucia Hasty.

What are the guidelines for designing tactile graphics?

Before creating a tactile graphic, one must first decide whether to make it at all. Some information can be conveyed through a description and other images may be omitted if they do not communicate additional information.

Basic Principles for Preparing Tactile Graphics
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Design Principles for Tactile Graphics
Tactile Graphics.org

Braille Authority of North America (BANA)

This flowchart is designed to help determine the purpose of the image, and whether it can be omitted, described, or a tactile graphic should be created.

Teaching Students with Visual Impairments

Carmen Willings shares activities that can be used to instruct students in learning how to read tactile graphics.

Where can I get more information?

Tactile Graphics.org
Website created by Lucia Hasty

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Paths to Literacy Tactile Graphics. For teachers, families, and others interested in literacy for children and youth with visual impairments

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation 

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Hallmark- Tactility, through emotional connection, Celebration, Recognition and appreciation 

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The differences between various Tactile textures: The word "texture" refers to how an object feels when you touch it; thus, the implication is that the word always refers to a tactile item. However, you can receive an impression of texture just by simply looking at an object or a pattern, an important principle in interior design. Visual textures can affect the mood and atmosphere of a room as much as tactile textures, and you can create an impression of texture with little more than paint.

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Naphat_Jorjee/iStock/Getty Images

The word "texture" refers to how an object feels when you touch it; thus, the implication is that the word always refers to a tactile item. However, you can receive an impression of texture just by simply looking at an object or a pattern, an important principle in interior design. Visual textures can affect the mood and atmosphere of a room as much as tactile textures, and you can create an impression of texture with little more than paint.

Tactile Textures

Tactile Textures

Tactile textures have relief, 3-D characteristics that you can feel. A wall textured with joint compound and a roughhewn tabletop are two examples of textures with relief; a fuzzy chair cover is an example of a texture you may have to actually touch to appreciate. Textures with 3-D presence often reflect light differently from one angle in a room than from another, which can give the room discrete vantage points that may differ greatly from one another. The overall effect of this type of visual partitioning is to make a room feel smaller.

Visual Textures

Visual Textures

Patterns painted on the the wall or ceiling may not be 3-D, but as far as the eye is concerned, they are just as real as tactile textures. A sponge-painted wall is an example of a texture that greatly alters the atmosphere of a room without adding physical definition. Visual textures don't play with light in the same manner as tactile textures, but they still create intimacy, mostly by adding visual information. Whether you add visual texture to your walls and ceiling with paint, wallpaper or paneling, the surfaces remain essentially smooth but have the appearance of texture.

Information and Intimacy

Information and Intimacy

Because of the way they absorb and reflect light, textures make a room feel smaller. You can use this principle to make a large, well-lit living room feel less spacious and more intimate. Because visual textures work primarily by adding visual information to a room's decor, however, they don't always work with the furniture or the pattern of the hardwood floor. In this case, a designer may opt for tactile texture in the form of a skip-trowel or slap-brush wall finish, which creates light variations without the need for more colors that could clash with the hues already present.

Light and Weight

Light and Weight

Textures can suggest temperature as well as alter the perception of space. A smooth texture reflects light and can look metallic, while a soft and raised texture absorbs light and suggests comfort. Visual textures may appear substantial from a certain vantage point, but when the light shines from a different angle, the smooth surface can make a room feel simultaneously smaller and less intimate. Tactile textures, on the other hand, never reflect light this way, so they often have a warming effect. By adding weight, they can help create a closed-in, cozy feeling.

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What Is The Difference Between Visual Texture And Tactile Texture In Design? - Hunker

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The word "texture" refers to how an object feels when you touch it; thus, the implication is that the word always refers to a tactile item. However, you can receive an impression of texture just by simply looking at an object or a pattern, an important principle in interior design.

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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In this video Visually impaired people share with us from their experiences what are some of the most annoying questions they have been asked.Through being able to hear their stories and what annoys them, we as individuals are able to educate ourselves on things that we shouldn't say or do to a blind person.

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Blind People Tell Us Which Questions Annoy Them the Most | Blind People Describe | Cut

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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Embarrassing and Funny Blind Moments from a Guy with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Matt shares some of his most awkward and funny blind stories

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Embarrassing and Funny Blind Moments from a Guy with Retinitis Pigmentosa

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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https://www.rnib.org.uk/reading-services/world-book-day-2021

http://www.bagbooks.org

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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Hallmark- Storytelling, communication and relatable messages

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This website outlines how you can create your own sensory story and shows us how creating your own sensory story is very easy and doesn’t have to cost anything.

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Creating your own sensory story is very easy and doesn't have to cost anything.

You just need to follow these simple steps:

1. Choose a story: Choose a book, story or theme that you and your child will enjoy - remember you don't need a book to tell a story!

2. Summarise it: Summarise the story into short sentences - about 10 for the whole story is ideal. Keep it short and simple!

3. Pick 10 keywords: Think about roughly 10 keywords in the story - these should be the most important for the story to be told and will usually include the who/what/where/doing words.

4. Find props: Look around your home for props to bring your sensory story to life - and especially find props to represent your keywords. Props can be anything from using the space behind a sofa as a dark cave, or using coffee grains from the kitchen as mucky dirt. Pound shops and charity shops can be great places to find cheap props too! (Please bear in mind that not all props are allergy-free/safe for children to use without your supervision).

5. Make some noise! You can use sounds, songs, clapping and actions to create a truly sensory story experience. Encourage your child to join in or make their own sounds and movements.

6. Use your imagination: Don't feel that everything has to be literal. Rain could be the noise of your fingers pattering on the table, a water spray, waggling your fingertips to indicate raindrops falling to the ground or a combination of these things. The more clues you give your child to help them understand a word the better.

7. Repeat, repeat, repeat! Be ready to tell the same story several times. Repetition is very important in helping young children to learn.

We've created a sensory story guide for you, which you can download below and read with your child.

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Create your own sensory story in 7 steps

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Creating your own sensory story is very easy and doesn't have to cost anything. You just need to follow these simple steps: Choose a story: Choose a book, story or theme that you and your child will enjoy - remember you don't need a book to tell a story!

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Hallmark-Memory making and cherishing, the experience of gift wrapping, concealing and revealing

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Hallmark-Memory making and cherishing, the experience of gift wrapping, concealing and revealing

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https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=boomf+cards&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

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Hallmark-Memory making and cherishing, the experience of gift wrapping, concealing and revealing

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Hallmark-Memory making and cherishing, the experience of gift wrapping, concealing and revealing

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https://www.activitysuperstore.com/occasions/psychology-of-gift-giving

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Hallmark- Memory making and cherishing, the experience of gift wrapping, concealing and revealing

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Hallmark- Memory making and cherishing, the experience of gift wrapping, concealing and revealing

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Website that gives you ideas on how to make your gift for that special someone more memorable and personal to them.

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Talking to the group before our tutorial with Elizabeth. We talked about our ideas and how we plan to progress with our work and the action plan we have to develop our ideas further.

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Blind and visually impaired children visit Legoland in Melbourne, where Lego’s new range of braille bricks are displayed for the first time in Australia. These lego bricks have raised bumps that correspond to characters of the braille alphabet.It is hoped that the bricks will enable children to learn braille creatively while also engaging with their classmates in a fun and interactive way. These bricks are a really fun and creative idea for visually impaired children to learn braille in a way that is easier and more memorable to them. In addition to this it is inclusive if them as they are able to use these lego blocks to play with other children and class peers and feel like they can be included and socially welcome.

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Lego’s bricks for blind people – in pictures

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Blind and visually impaired children in Australia had their first opportunity to play with Lego’s braille bricks at Legoland in Melbourne

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To celebrate World Book Day on Thursday (4th March 2021), the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is giving away thousands of books in braille and audio formats for children with vision impairment across the South East of England.

James Bartlett, RNIB Library and Newsagent Manager, said:

“RNIB is delighted to support this year’s World Book Day. Reading can open up a world of possibilities and enhance the imagination, which is why it is so important for every child (and adult) to be able to enjoy books of their choice. The braille and audio versions of books that we have created ensure that blind and partially sighted children can discover these stories just like any other child and share in the excitement this World Book Day.”

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Here is a booklet I looked at to see what resources and help is available for children and young people with visual impairment. This booklet contains lots of information on activities and groups young visually impaired individuals can join. it includes certain services and resources that they might find helpful as visual impairment can be a challenge to some younger people and so they may need more help and guidance to help them adjust and gain the help that they need.

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https://www.look-uk.org

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Accessible voting and Challenging social attitudes

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Accessible voting and Challenging social attitudes

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https://www.orcam.com/en/blog/the-dos-and-donts-of-helping-a-blind-person/

https://www.rnib.org.uk/sight-loss-advice/equality-rights-and-employment/voting-and-elections-what-you-need-know

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Accessible voting and challenging social attitudes

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This video outlines some things that you could ask/say to a blind person instead. This video helps with topics you might want to ask somebody who is partially blind, but explains the way in which you should approach it so that you do not offend the individual or make them feel excluded, but instead make them feel comfortable and welcome in a social environment, which can sometimes be difficult for visually impaired individuals.

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Video outlining things that you shouldn't say to a visually impaired person as it may cause them to feel uncomfortable or offend them in a way that makes them feel socially excluded

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How NaviLens works in a public environment

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NaviLens technology and how it works to help visually impaired individuals. Visually impaired people have difficulty using traditional signage and therefore cannot be autonomous in unfamiliar environments. NaviLens is a smart piece of technology that enables visually impaired individuals to scan the codes without needing to know exactly where they are, offering the same information as the signage very accurately.NaviLens helps make cities smarter and more inclusive. The capabilities of this code allow users to interact more easily and accessible with their environment in places such as subway stations, bus stops and museums or public buildings.
https://www.navilens.com

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Effects of lockdown on visually impaired individuals

Lockdown has affected everyone’s access to services, but the nature of social distancing rules means they have disproportionally affected blind and partially sighted people as the social infrastructure and norms many rely on - such as access to supermarket online delivery slots - have been lost or eroded.
The population is concerned about the risk of contracting coronavirus, and the rules about how to social distance have been helpful in reducing the virus’s spread. However, these rules are inherently visual and have been incredibly challenging, if not impossible to follow for many for blind and partially sighted people. Many people with sight loss are unable to keep two metres away from other people and guide dogs are not trained this way. Blind and partially sighted people who haven’t been able to keep their distance have reported being confronted by passers-by, or being so nervous about breaking the rules that they have lost confidence and are concerned about leaving the house.

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RNIB Access to public health information and Access to supermarkets 

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RNIB Access to public health information and Access to supermarkets 

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https://www.rnib.org.uk/services-we-offer-advice-professionals/health-professionals

https://inews.co.uk/news/real-life/blind-partially-sighted-visually-impaired-braille-supermarkets-products-kelloggs-navilens-874323

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Importance of guide dogs

Medical studies confirm that dogs impact the health of their human companions. Canines have a positive psychological effect making their owners feel more confident and secure. Blind people with guide dogs are better equipped to set out into the world with their trusted friend.
A canine companion also relieves depression, stress, and anxiety which improve cardiovascular health. Plus, a blind person with a guide dog is likely to walk more and the additional exercise is a health benefit. People on the street are more apt to communicate with a person walking a dog, so the visually impaired owner enjoys the resulting social interaction.

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Dogs, in general, are amazing creatures. But service dogs, like guide dogs, are true stand outs. In addition to traditional canine companionship, they play an integral role in the lives of the visually impaired.

When were dogs first used as guides?

Guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired have an impressive history that began in Germany during World War I, where the first guide dogs helped veterans blinded in combat. The guide dogs' notoriety increased in 1927 when American dog breeder and Swedish resident, Dorothy Harrison Eustis, wrote an article on guide dogs for The Saturday Evening Post. Her article inspired a visually impaired American named Morris Frank.

Frank visited Switzerland and trained with Buddy, one of Eustis's dogs. Frank and Buddy traveled together back to the US where they toured the country demonstrating the abilities of guide dogs. Their public appearances highlighted the need for service dogs to have access to hotels, restaurants, shops, public transportation and other places that were previously off-limits to canines. They also founded the first American guide dog training school, called The Seeing Eye, which is why guide dogs are often called "Seeing Eye dogs."

Which breeds are suitable for service?

Early on, German Shepherds were the most utilized breed for service positions, but today many breeds fill these spots. Trainers recognize that Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Standard Poodles, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, Airedales, Collies, Dobermans, and other appropriately-sized breeds work quite well as guide dogs. Size is important because the height of the dog at the shoulder, plus the length of the harness, must fit comfortably with the height of the handler.

The most popular service dog breed today is the Labrador Retriever due to its size range, short hair coat, and mild temperament; however, a lofty pedigree is not a job requirement for canine assistance animals. Cross breeds, like Golden Retriever/Labrador mixes, work really well. Standard Poodles mixed with Labradors or Golden Retrievers do not shed much, making them good choices for people with allergies.

"A lofty pedigree is not a job requirement for canine assistance animals."

Although there is no perfect guide dog, research and selective breeding have helped refine characteristics such as temperament, energy level, size, and walking stride to improve the overall quality and compatibility of service dogs. This work helps create a good dog-handler match.

How are guide dogs trained?

Some guide dog training facilities breed and raise pups onsite. When the pups are weaned from their mothers, they live with foster families who socialize them and provide loving care.

At about 16-18 months of age, the dogs return to the facility and begin a 4-6 month period of formal training that marks the beginning of an amazing career. The first 4-5 months is spent with an experienced, sighted trainer for in-depth training. Under supervision of the instructor, the dog's last month of training is spent with a blind person who will become his handler and new best friend.

Training institutes educate both the dog and the owner. The dog learns to "guide" the person. The person learns to handle, communicate with, and care for the dog. During this process a strong bond develops that enhances the relationship profoundly.

The dog learns to navigate various obstacles, but he is never the "leader." The human part of the dynamic duo is taught how to direct the dog and utilize commands learned in mobility training exercises. In other words, the dog is the driver of the car watching for obstacles and the handler is the navigator determining how to get from Point A to Point B. The human knows where he wants to go and the dog gets him there safely.

What skills do guide dogs learn?

Guide dogs are proficient in leading a human safely to a designated location. This entails watching for hazards from above and below. Low hanging tree limbs or power lines, curbs, stairs, and potholes can spell disaster for a blind person.

In addition to heeding commands, guide dogs learn how to reason. If the handler issues a command to cross a street as traffic approaches, the dog learns to disobey. This ability is called intelligent disobedience and is critical to the safely of both human and dog.

Dogs also learn to ignore distractions that interfere with their duties. These remarkable dogs have the will power not to abandon their owners in pursuit of a stray ball bouncing across their path.

"Dogs also learn to ignore distractions that interfere with their duties."

Etiquette is another class at service dog school. Good manners are required to visit places where proper behavior is important, such as restaurants or shops.

Guide dogs are truly smart, but there are some things they simply cannot do. They cannot read traffic signals, so the handler must determine when to proceed at a crosswalk. Some intersections have auditory signals, which help. And even though dogs have good homing instincts, they cannot map out a route to an unfamiliar location. The abilities of the dog and handler work in tandem to successfully navigate the world.

What are the other benefits of service dogs?

Dog lovers fully realize the benefits of having a canine family member. Medical studies confirm that dogs impact the health of their human companions. Canines have a positive psychological effect making their owners feel more confident and secure. Blind people with guide dogs are better equipped to set out into the world with their trusted friend.

A canine companion also relieves depression, stress, and anxiety which improve cardiovascular health. Plus, a blind person with a guide dog is likely to walk more and the additional exercise is a health benefit. People on the street are more apt to communicate with a person walking a dog, so the visually impaired owner enjoys the resulting social interaction. Remember, however, that a guide dog is working when they are with their handler, so check first before touching or interacting with the dog.

In short, the guide dog is not just a working animal...he is a loyal pal. Good temperament and training combine to produce guide dogs that love their jobs and are happy at work! Thanks to Buddy and Frank for paving the way for other visually impaired people and their seeing eye dogs who walk down countless paths together.

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Dogs, in general, are amazing creatures. But service dogs, like guide dogs, are true stand outs. In addition to traditional canine companionship, they play an integral role in the lives of the visually impaired. Guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired have an impressive history that began in Germany during World War I, where the first guide dogs helped veterans blinded in combat.

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https://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/welfare-and-money/tom-scott-tactile-paving

https://thefabricsoflife.com/product/t-shirt-blanket/

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Video explaining and outlining what life is like with Charles Bonnet syndrome, This helped me understand the condition and will help me with what things to not include within my design to trigger this within visually impaired individuals.

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Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) | Bee's story

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Notes from the talk with RNIB Volunteers

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Notes from the talk with RNIB Volunteers

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Here are notes I took whilst talking to the RNIB volunteers. These notes and my questions they answered have allowed me to think about certain aspects of my concept that I hadn't thought about before this talk. It has been very helpful and insightful, allowing me to gain key information and feedback needed to allow me to further develop my concept and progress further with my idea.

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This talk was very useful to me and people within my group. It allowed us to gain an insight into how Adam and Deborah as visually impaired individuals deal with day to day tasks. Speaking to them and hearing about their stories and how they deal with certain situations was interesting and helpful for my concept and ideas within this project. Talking to them about my concept really helped me define the direction in which I should progress next and they helped me think about certain aspects and elements of my idea that I need to develop a bit further in order to make it more accessible to visually impaired individuals. At first I was quite worried about speaking to them Incase I say the wrong thing and offend them. However, both Adam and Deborah were very nice and friendly that as soon as we started talking to them the conversation just flowed naturally and it was a very enjoyable and really helpful experience. Overall, they really liked my concept as they said they both love receiving greeting cards, but because of the way they are, they aren't easily accessible to them or people think that there is no point in sending a card to them as they can't see it anyway and so they loved my idea of cards made specifically for visually impaired. The questions I asked helped me define specific elements within my idea, like if I should use more or less colour, or the font size so that it is easily accessible to visually impaired individuals etc. This talk was very very helpful and now I feel like I have a clear route that will allow me to progress further with my project.

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Video explaining and outlining what life is like with Charles Bonnet syndrome

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Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) | Bee's story

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Notes from the talk with RNIB Volunteers

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Notes from the talk with RNIB Volunteers

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Here are notes I took whilst talking to the RNIB volunteers. These notes and my questions they answered have allowed me to think about certain aspects of my concept that I hadn't thought about before this talk. It has been very helpful and insightful, allowing me to gain key information and feedback needed to allow me to further develop my concept and progress further with my idea.

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RNIB- Questions I prepared for talking with volunteers

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RNIB- Questions I prepared for talking with volunteers

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Here is a PDF outlining my concept and questions I would like to ask the RNIB volunteers when talking to them.

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This talk was very useful to me and people within my group. It allowed us to gain an insight into how Adam and Deborah as visually impaired individuals deal with day to day tasks. Speaking to them and hearing about their stories and how they deal with certain situations was interesting and helpful for my concept and ideas within this project. Talking to them about my concept really helped me define the direction in which I should progress next and they helped me think about certain aspects and elements of my idea that I need to develop a bit further in order to make it more accessible to visually impaired individuals. At first I was quite worried about speaking to them Incase I say the wrong thing and offend them. However, both Adam and Deborah were very nice and friendly that as soon as we started talking to them the conversation just flowed naturally and it was a very enjoyable and really helpful experience. Overall, they really liked my concept as they said they both love receiving greeting cards, but because of the way they are, they aren't easily accessible to them or people think that there is no point in sending a card to them as they can't see it anyway and so they loved my idea of cards made specifically for visually impaired. The questions I asked helped me define specific elements within my idea, like if I should use more or less colour, or the font size so that it is easily accessible to visually impaired individuals etc. This talk was very very helpful and now I feel like I have a clear route that will allow me to progress further with my project.

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RNIB- Questions I prepared for talking with volunteers

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RNIB- Questions I prepared for talking with volunteers

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Here is a PDF outlining my concept and questions I would like to ask the RNIB volunteers when talking to them.

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Presentations workshop with Libby Scarlett 

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Presentations workshop with Libby Scarlett 

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This workshop helped me with my presentation for hallmark. Libby explained what needed to be included in our presentations and the format our presentations need to be in. This was very helpful and guided me in created my presentation for hallmark in a way that was easy for me to communicate my idea across in a clear way and a way that was easy for Hallmark to understand and follow.

-Keynote, InDesign/PDF, Powerpoint- whichever works best for you
- 4 slides, 5 minutes
- Screen size, font size, image choice- make sure it is easily understood and communicated

What to include in the presentation-
- What? Explain your idea in a few sentences, 1/2 strong images
- Who? Who is your specific audience? Bring your research in, think creatively about the visuals
- Why? Why have you decided on this idea?
- Where? Where would it be used?

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For this workshop I didn't have any of the materials needed to participate. However, I still watched and observed the techniques that Elnaz was showing us. Even though I don't really like embroidery and it is not something I would consider using within my project, it was still interesting to see the techniques she used and how she created different shapes and patterns using various coloured threads to create a tactile element. This could be something that I may want to utilise within some of my future projects.

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Completed pdf of my watchword technique

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During my first year of university I was briefly introduced to GF Smith paper, before I have never heard of them. So, this talk was very interesting to me as I got to learn about the company and their products in more detail and their collections and how they be utilised in different ways.

Notes from the talk-

- GF Smith company based in Hull, England
- Established in 1885
- Envelopes, binding, packaging embossing, magazines etc.
- The type of paper used within a project has a very big impact on how the overall project feels and looks- Very important to pick the right paper stock
- Colorplan collection - 55 colours, 10 weights, 25 embossings
-Fine collection (white papers) - 12 papers, 32 colours, 78 weights
-Textures collection - 11 papers, 71 colours, 44 weights, cotton, leather -Specialist paper collection - 22 papers, 146 colours, 69 weights, wood, concrete, linen

https://www.gfsmith.com
GF Smith website that I explored after the workshop.

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My completed watchword technique that helped me when defining my project idea and allowing me to take my project and ideas further.

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Watchword technique and The Kipling method- Oliver Crabtree

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Watchword technique and The Kipling method- Oliver Crabtree

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This workshop allowed me to ask myself the basic questions about my audience and how my designs will be executed. Also helped me to define my concept and put together  a clear plan that I will work towards and use within this project.

- Kipling Method - Who, What, Where, When, Why, How
- PMI - Plus, Minus, Interesting
- Use this throughout my project to review my work and improve aspects that need working on
- SMART Goals - Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely
- Set myself goals to achieve within the timescale of this project to ensure I am utilising my time in the best possible and effective way.
- Watchword technique- When I first saw this worksheet, I found it really confusing and complicated. But after getting a clearer explanation off Oliver I was able to complete the worksheet, Which I later found very helpful when it came to defining my ideas and choosing a direction and clear idea for my project.

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Materials workshop by Lynn Setterington 

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Materials workshop by Lynn Setterington 

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This workshop was helpful to me as within my project textures are a big element and so this workshop gave me an insight into unusual materials that I wouldn't have thought to use, and also an inspiration on how these materials can be utilised within various ways.

Notes from workshop-
- What materials are around you- Feathers, hair, straw, flowers/leaves, bottle tops, plastic bags, buttons/ beads etc.
- The five senses: Touch, hear, sight, taste and smell
- Folk Art- Patchwork, stitching
- What are some everyday sensory materials you could use?
- Peruvian Featherwork
- Repurposing plastic bags- artists Josh Blackwell
- Pearly kings and Queens- using beads and pearls to decorate leather, garments and other items

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This talk was really useful to me and will definitely help me with this project, as it educated me more on different types of sight loss and conditions, which is something I wasn't as aware of before this talk. It also helped me understand the way in which individuals with these conditions see. They used images that represented each condition and how people with that condition see things.This was very eye opening and made me think of Sight loss on a much bigger scale and made me realise how I could now use my knowledge to better my design work and ideas for this project.

Notes from the talk-

- 93% of registered blind or partially sighted people can see something
- In the UK there are over 2 million people that are living with visual impairment
- 200 or more different existing eye conditions
- How to talk to a visually impaired person, Gain their attention, introduce yourself, talk directly to them, respond verbally, inform them of any movements you are making and ask them if they need any support or help
-  Reading- Audio books, Large print format and magnifiers, braille
- Braille is only used by a small amount of visually impaired individuals, most of them are people who have always been blind or people who went blind at a very young age and learned how to use braille
- Technology- different apps are used by visually impaired to make day to day tasks easier for them for example voice note on your smartphone
- Colours, better when they are contrasting as it is easier to distinguish a difference between them
- Navilens is a piece of smart technology that uses QR codes as a way to audio describe things

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This was a very interesting talk in which I was able to learn about the universities special collections that was made up of cards and artist books from the Edwardian and Victorian era. It was very fascinating to see how card designs from that era have been a base and inspiration and have been developed and manipulated within designs that are used in todays day.

Notes from the talk-

Laura Seddon
- A collection of victorian and Edwardian greeting cards that composed a collection of Concertina cards, pop up cards, 3D cards.
- Add texture onto cards
- Use of paper lace and Embossing
- Tunnel cards that used and incorporated layers into the design to create a scene.
- Adding humour to Christmas cards

Collection of books presented-
- Memory Book by Yen-Min-Hsu 2016
-30 St Mary Axe Diagrid by Mandy Brannan 2011
- Osteoporosis by Lizanne Van Essen 2002
- White poplars by John Dilnot 2003
- Stellata by Jane Craddock- Watson 2010
- La Voisin by Sarah Bodman 1999
- Cinderella Folding books 1947, Illustrated by Roland Pym

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Upload worksheets

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Human centred design workshop with Libby Scarlett 

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Human centred design workshop with Libby Scarlett 

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This workshop has been really helpful in allowing me to understand the basic principles of Human centred design and how it works. It has helped me to apply it to my own design work to create the best possible user experience.

Notes-
- Human centred design was created by IDEO
- Make user feedback a routine within your work
- Design with the people that you are designing for
- Human centred design kit made by IDEO https://www.ideo.com/post/design-kit
- Put yourself in the situation of the end user

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This website allows you to understand the thinking behind human centred design. What it is and how to apply it to your own ideas and designs and the importance of it. Human centred design is is a framework that integrates a set of practices to understand users—their needs, constraints, contexts, behaviors, and wants—so that you can build deep empathy with them, generate multiple ideas to help solve their problems, and arrive at a solution via rapid prototyping.

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Human-centered design | Design Defined | InVision

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Sometimes referred to as user-centered design, human-centered design (HCD) is a framework that integrates a set of practices to understand users-their needs, constraints, contexts, behaviors, and wants-so that you can build deep empathy with them, generate multiple ideas to help solve their problems, and arrive at a solution via rapid prototyping.

HCD is a design approach that puts the users first, resulting in useful and usable products and services. Teams who foster HCD create a culture of focusing on the user when creating products, keeping them at the heart of the product development process. Considering their limitations, constraints, and desires, you end with tailor-made solutions that satisfy their needs.

It starts with the people; involves co-designing and collaboration; and allows you to build empathy with your users so that you're more confident in your solutions.

The framework requires both divergent and convergent thinking-start wide, then go narrow. Engage with users to uncover as many problems as possible, then narrow your focus on one of these problems. Brainstorm as many solutions as possible, then narrow your focus on one or two that you prototype and test.

In the HCD process, failure is a learning experience: An opportunity to discover what works and what doesn't. It's also important to embrace ambiguity. You need to be comfortable knowing that you might not understand the problem yet-or its solution-and that's OK.

There are many different categorizations of the phases of HCD, but here's a handy guide:

Let's dive into those phases in more depth.

This is the phase in which you immerse yourself in your users' lives to gain a better understanding of who they are. Observe and ask questions to see things from their point of view. Identify your biases and assumptions so you can deviate from them if they don't align with your users' reality.

Think of this as foundational research. First, you have to identify the right people. Consider various factors including age, ethnicity, technological expertise, and so on. Ensure that your sample is inclusive.

Research in this stage could include interviews or focus groups with users, and, when necessary, field experts. You can also conduct contextual inquiries and ethnographic research, diary studies, and photo journals, and use methods like the 5 whys to dig deeper.

All of this helps you develop empathy for your users. When you get into their minds, walk in their shoes, and understand their lives, you open yourself up to more creative possibilities.

Now that you've identified your users and conducted your research, the next step is to synthesize the data and make sense of what you've learned in the Define phase.

One of the most popular methods for synthesizing findings is affinity mapping. Everybody writes their findings on individual sticky notes and then you group similar notes together to identify themes. Following synthesis, you take your themes and insights and transform them into opportunities for design, brainstorming as many ideas as possible.

There's no judgment during brainstorming. You can, and should, generate as many ideas as you can, and they can be wild and crazy. A common method to encourage creativity is the Crazy 8s: Everyone sketches out 8 ideas in 8 minutes.

After brainstorming, you'll choose the best ideas and create prototypes. Prototypes are low-cost estimations of what your solution will look like, and they can be anything: paper sketches, role playing, physical objects, or digital prototypes.

Tools like InVision allow you to quickly and easily create digital wireframes and prototypes. It's best to experiment with multiple prototypes-and share them with your target audience-to gain feedback and determine the best path forward.

Once you implement the feedback and iterate on your prototype, you repeat the process until you have a product that you're ready to move forward with.

This is when you take your product to market and refine your business model.

It's important to note that your product is never really finished. You should consistently be improving, testing, and gathering feedback from users so that you know your product is meeting their evolving needs. Track your pre-defined success metrics to understand if your product is meeting expectations.

HCD is not only applicable to the product itself, but how you market and communicate it. This is where your Define research comes in handy: You already know your users' needs and expectations in their own words.

When you develop deep empathy with the people you're building for, it allows you to think of solutions that will really improve their lives.

The HCD framework will also help your business identify new opportunities to diversify, by either developing new products for existing markets or defining new markets for existing products. When you're directly connected to your users, you can follow their needs as they change.

Finally, a human-centered approach gives users a sense of being understood, which can increase customer loyalty. When they feel like they're part of the process, the product becomes more meaningful to them, and they're more invested in using it.

A good starting point for applying this framework is IDEO's Field Guide to Human-Centered Design or Acumen's introductory course on Human-Centered Design.

HCD is a framework for designing products, services, and systems.

Rooted in the HCD framework, design thinking is a practical, collaborative, and iterative approach to understanding and solving problems. It functions on the assumption that innovation occurs at the intersection of user needs, available technology, and business requirements. It brings together multidisciplinary teams-including the users-to solve complex problems.

Design thinking and HCD complement each other. Both highlight and emphasize a focus on users to identify problems and patterns, and both rely on being iterative, constantly reviewing and improving processes and products based on users' changing needs and abilities.

Using HCD as a design approach puts your users first and helps you create useful and usable products and services. Companies who invest in HCD create a culture of user focus by keeping them at the heart of the product development process.

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Human-centered design | Design Defined | InVision

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Human-centered design (HCD) is a framework that integrates a set of practices to understand users-their needs, constraints, contexts, behaviors, and wants-so that you can build deep empathy with them, generate multiple ideas to help solve their problems, and arrive at a solution via rapid prototyping. Visit to learn more.