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Challenge

Current navigation aids for Blind and Low Vision (BLV) individuals are fragmented, unsafe, and socially conspicuous. Users must choose between comprehensive assistance and discretion, creating dangerous gaps in daily navigation.

Impact & Results

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people worldwide could benefit from this integrated solution

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people worldwide could benefit from this integrated solution

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people worldwide could benefit from this integrated solution

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users prioritized real-time feedback over existing fragmented tools

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users prioritized real-time feedback over existing fragmented tools

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users prioritized real-time feedback over existing fragmented tools

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privacy protection through local-only processing

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privacy protection through local-only processing

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privacy protection through local-only processing

How might we create seamless,
real-time navigation assistance that
prioritizes user dignity and independence?

What invisible interaction
barriers prevent users from
returning to VR puzzle experiences?

What invisible
interaction barriers
prevent users from
returning to VR
puzzle experiences?

How might we create seamless,
real-time navigation assistance that
prioritizes user dignity and independence?

Research Question

Research Insights That Shaped Design

User Priorities

#1

1 Real-time surrounding feedback
(85% of users)

#2

2 Privacy protection
(no data collection)

#3

3 Comfort and discretion
over advanced features

#4

4 Multi-modal feedback
(audio + tactile preferred)

Critical Pain Points

Navigation gaps
in dynamic environments

Privacy concerns
with existing solutions

Comfort issues
with current wearables

Audio disruption
in social settings

Design Solution

Integrated Wearable System

+

=

intuitive spatial feedback

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Comprehensive environmental awareness

Core Innovation: Separated processing power (chest-mounted pin) from feedback delivery (belt-based vibrations) for optimal comfort and functionality.

Key Features

Voice-first interface
with minimal touch dependency

Real-time object detection
via AI-powered cameras

Vibrational navigation
through dedicated belt system

Local processing only
for complete privacy protection

Modular design
for easy maintenance

Local processing only
for complete privacy protection

Modular design
for easy maintenance

DESIGN PROCESS

Analyzed 15+ existing assistive technologies and their limitations through user feedback analysis. Discovered that fragmented solutions forced users to choose between comprehensive assistance and social comfort, creating dangerous navigation gaps.

01 Form Factor
Innovation

Breakthrough insight: Distributing system components solved the comfort vs. functionality tension. Separating AI processing (chest pin) from feedback delivery (belt) eliminated user complaints while maintaining full capabilities.

It began with low-fidelity sketches, which helped us explore basic shape, layout, and component placement quickly. These early drawings were crucial for visualizing the form factor and how the device would sit on the body.

Through multiple design reviews and user feedback sessions, we discovered that physical buttons could be a barrier for Blind or Low Vision (BLV) users. In response, we removed unnecessary buttons, introduced a large voice activation surface, and added a tactile touchpad with simple tap gestures.

Finally, we created high-fidelity 3D models to bring all components together into a cohesive, functional form. This version introduced a magnetic base for flexible placement and a modular design that allowed customization without compromising core accessibility features.

The final prototype integrated AI-powered cameras for real-time object detection and environmental scanning with GPS mapping system for precise navigation. Belt slot and eject mechanisms enable easy SOAL Belt attachment, while the intuitive touchpad provides gesture-based control options. The magnetic base ensures secure clothing attachment, and the universal charging port offers widespread compatibility. Voice activation with natural language processing enables hands-free operation, while advanced safety sensors and built-in e-SIM provide obstacle alerts and navigation guidance without external apps. The SOAL Belt delivers comfortable vibrational feedback distribution with auditory feedback tailored for BLV users, creating a privacy-centric solution that operates without storing personal data

Applied HCC design principles and WCAG guidelines throughout development. Validated voice-first interface design and vibration patterns against established accessibility standards to ensure inclusive interaction design.

Final Solution

SOAL represents a paradigm shift in assistive technology by creating the first truly integrated wearable ecosystem for BLV users. The solution eliminates the fragmentation that forces users to choose between comprehensive assistance and social comfort. By distributing intelligence across chest-mounted processing and belt-based feedback, SOAL delivers real-time environmental awareness while maintaining user dignity. The privacy-first architecture ensures complete data protection through local processing, while the modular design supports daily wear adoption. This holistic approach transforms navigation from a series of discrete tools into a seamless, empowering experience that prioritizes user autonomy and independence.

Key Learnings

Accessibility-First Design
Authentic community engagement revealed assumptions about user needs were often wrong.

Multi-Modal Integration
Combining audio, tactile, and voice interfaces requires careful balance to avoid overwhelming users.

Privacy by Design
Trust and dignity are fundamental to assistive technology adoption.

Technical Feasibility
Complex AI processing can be made invisible through thoughtful system architecture.

REFLECTION

Looking back, I'd start with direct BLV user testing instead of analyzing existing solutions first. Real users reveal insights no amount of research can predict. The biggest challenge was balancing comprehensive functionality with social discretion, requiring constant tension between "more features" and "invisible assistance." My key breakthrough came from realizing that distributed architecture wasn't just solving a technical problem. It was solving a human comfort problem. This project developed my skills in multi-modal interface design, privacy-first development, and translating complex accessibility requirements into simple user experiences.

Impact: This project shifted my design philosophy from solving problems to restoring human dignity through technology.

Design Solution

Integrated Wearable System

+

=

intuitive spatial feedback

+

Comprehensive environmental awareness

Core Innovation: Separated processing power (chest-mounted pin) from feedback delivery (belt-based vibrations) for optimal comfort and functionality.