The Design of Color Detector Device for Visually Impaired People

Abstract

This study was conducted to create a design of color detector device that can meet the needs of people with visual impairments. In the early stages of research, interviews was held to determine the difficulties that were being faced by the visually impaired when identifying color difference. Further interviews were conducted in order to obtain their further needs to the design of a color detector device. The next thing to do was to determine the importance rating of each need that was identified. Based on the importance rating of the needs, some design concepts were generated by using some combination tables. Three design concepts are generated and concept selection was conducted by involving users and external designer. Anthropometric data was used for determining the dimensions of the selected design. The device that was designed was a color detector device with a voice output. To gain a real feedbacks from users, final prototype was then made for testing both of its function and design. A variety of electronic components, including color sensor, microcontroller, chip recorder, and speaker were used to test the function of color detector device. Meanwhile, a case design was produced by using 3D printer technology with ABS plastic materials. Based on the final prototype, a test was held to obtain the user’s response on its function and design. The test results several feedbacks for future development of the product including a lighter weight, smaller size, louder voice output, more accurate color defining, and wider range of object source selection for color identification.