TActile graphic Design and Production
Bring Our World to Life
Tactile graphics convey non-textual information to individuals who are blind or have low vision through raised lines and surfaces. These graphics can take several forms including pictures, maps, graphs, diagrams and other images. The ability to feel these tactile graphics allows the blind to obtain the same information that the sighted gain through visual images.
Tactile graphics play an important role in the development and inclusion of individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Touch is a critical aspect of early development for all persons, whether sighted, visually impaired or blind. Providing access to tactile graphics is essential for inclusion in education, employment, transit and other areas. In a highly visual society, the absence of visual cues can result in exclusion from educational, practical and recreational information.
tactile graphic design solutions
Interpreting and understanding tactile graphics requires some prior knowledge of the object or concept being pictured. Background information and context play a key role; symbols and braille abbreviations simplify the information and make landmarks easily distinguishable.
When designing a tactile graphic, it’s important to:
- Identify what information is necessary for navigating a space.
- Simplify the information being conveyed and focus on the most essential parts.
- Consider white space, room for braille labels, preservation of relationships between landmarks and selection of the most important points.
Not all visual graphics need to be converted into tactile graphics. The most effective means of conveying information depends on the audience, their skill-level and the information being presented. A tactile graphic may be necessary if an object is too small, too large, or too dangerous, but in other cases, a sentence or a 3D object representation may be a more effective means of communication.
Tactile Graphic Production
We use the latest braille conversion software and powerful embossers to create tactile graphics that are accurate, clear, and easy to interpret. We understand the importance of simplicity in tactile graphics, so we generally like to include only the most essential information, taking care to preserve the relationships between landmarks and symbols. Our key or guide is additionally included to assist readers in making sense of tactile graphics; it lays out each symbol and its descriptive terminology.
Tactile graphics play a crucial role in promoting inclusion for individuals who are blind or have low vision. These graphics provide access to information that is typically conveyed visually and their importance cannot be overstated. With the right design and education, individuals can develop the skills necessary to effectively read and understand tactile graphics, allowing them to lead a more fulfilling and independent life.
The GetBraille Difference
At GetBraille, we’re dedicated to helping people who are blind or have low vision by creating high-quality tactile graphics. Some of our designers have a unique advantage: we are blind ourselves. This means that we have a deep understanding of the challenges that people who are blind face and we’re able to make informed decisions about what works best for us and what works best for your business.
We are excited to help you identify the best course of action for your tactile graphic needs.
