Research
I reached out to various local and national organizations for people with blindness for interviews, including:
Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired - www.asb.org
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh - www. bvrspittsburgh.org
National Federation of the Blind - www.nfb.org
The interviews illuminated various pain points when visiting a medical facility as a person with blindness/vision impairment.
The most common problem that was voiced by all the interviewees was the lack of accessibility when checking in.
“The health care forms,
they want to give us a paper form on a clipboard,
and I say, “Well I can’t fill that out”,
and sometimes, they’ll say,
“Well then you can’t be a patient.”
Early Form Study
Visualizing early concepts helped organize vital elements that would make up the check-in experience.
Initial concepts explored modular panels, and creating derivations for accessibility.
Measuring Dimensions
I listed the fixed dimensions that had to be measured, and proceeded to draw out the dimensions on the wall. I assembled a quick prototype with PVC pipes and foam core, to gain a better sense of the physical space.
I user tested the prototype assembly, asking them to perform tasks. I recorded the tests, and re-measured the dimensions according to their behavior.
The tests revealed aspects that I had initially overlooked, such as interactions with the door, and the perpendicular screen.
Refining Concept
Several changes were considered and made, such as removing the door completely. The focus soon turned to providing a welcoming experience without compromised privacy.
How can I create a sense of privacy and security in an open environment? I started exploring various high-tech applications such as directional speakers, privacy screen filters, and even rotating chairs.
