Ann M. Conefrey, independent graphic designer

Inclusive Tactile Design

Designing with braille and tactile graphics

In 2014 Ann set up Braille Dots, a platform aimed at researching and initiating design projects to promote the use of braille and tactile graphics. Braille facilitates the development of essential literacy skills and as such should be considered as normal and important as printed text. Moreover, tactile graphics can be used to enrich and support written information in braille. Ann says “As a designer I am very critical about the somewhat clinical way in which braille and tactile graphics are ‘produced’ rather than being actively incorporated into a design process.”

We live in a world of words, colors, lines, patterns and textures. Design should focus on translating this visually rich world into multi- sensory forms which are accessible, appealing and stimulating for all. We should create designs that are educational, fun to use and encourage tactile exploration, language skills and social interaction.

In this session Ann will demonstrate how multi-disciplinary collaborations and engagement with visually disabled can increase the quality for design. You will learn about materials and techniques, such as embossing, screen printing, laser, 3D printing and digital applications and how they can lead to new interesting tactile design solutions.

Handout file (pdf, opens in new window)