Sketching Slate - This Concept is a Patented concept of Mrs Pragnya and Mr Dilip Bhatt from Ahmedabad, India. The project has been designed and developed by a team of 3 designers under the National Design Business Incubator (NDBI), NID, Ahmedabad, India.
User study - The User studies revealed the learning methods and educational practices undertaken by the schools and parents. Braille is still used as the best practiced method for reading and writing; hence proving the best way of expression after voice.
User study- Existing methods - We all are visual learners and practitioners, Pragnya slate helps bring this sense of learning and most importantly expressing, in the life of visually challenged too.
Initial sketches and Conceptualization - The idea is to give the children a new MEDIUM to learn and encourage the expression of thier creativity. Not limiting thier learning by means of predefined codes of braille only.
The focus being use of materials which can give immidiate feedback on writing and drawing. We worked with Velcro and Wool as wool sticks fast and easily on the velcro surface. Also keeping in mind the easy availability of both the materials.
Initial sketches and Conceptualization - Many options for the design of an ergonomic and easy to use pen were explored. Where, the design process includes brainstorming and concept development for issues of ergonomics, cutting, refilling, permanency, precision, material and cost.
Prototyping
Prototyping
Final Prototype - The design includes the detailing and development of pen (grip, length) and slate, usability of the product considering the tactile sense over vision.
Here, the bobbin of wool can be loaded easily onto the pen and one is ready to write with it on the velcro slate smoothly.
Pragnya Slate- final prototype - The slate gives enough space even for a beginner to write and draw big figures. The tactile scale provided helps understand the concept of measurement. The slate is portable and has an attached geometry box to carry all stationary and extra bobbins.
The second phase of the project involves design of brochures, catalogs and an instructional movie explaining its importance and how to use the product.
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Sketching Slate for Visually Challenged
Sketching slate made from Velcro and wool to empower people with visual impairment to express. This innovative combination of using the two materials together gives an opportunity to draw and write on the Velcro slate which children can touch and feel.
