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Raising the Dots
Making our world accessible, dot by Dot
16 hours ago

Tactile Computer Aided Design

This month we are joined by a multidisciplinary team from the University of Washington to discuss how they are using Dot Pad X to make computer-aided design (CAD) more accessible for blind and low-vision students and professionals.

Guest Panel

  • Carlos Tejada, Postdoc at the University of Washington and technical lead on the project.

  • Dr. Jen Mankoff, Professor in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington, director of the CREATE center, and accessibility researcher/advocate.

  • Dr. Joshua Miele, Blind designer of accessible experiences, information accessibility researcher, and outside collaborator on the

Key Discussion Points

  • The Accessibility Gap in CAD: Traditional CAD software and tools are visual-based, creating major barriers and limiting potential impact for blind and low-vision users.

  • Innovative Tactile Workflows: The team discusses moving away from lengthy, tedious fabrication loops by developing methods to slice 3D models and represent cross-sections on tactile displays such as Dot Pad.

  • Collaboration: Insights into how researchers, designers, and students with and without lived experience work closely together to ensure tools are both functional and enjoyable to use.

  • The Web-Based Tool: A brief overview of the new web-based, zero-installation tool featuring pre-loaded models (such as cups and LEGO bricks), multiple rendering/display modes, panning, zooming, and tactile device connectivity.

Resources

  • Global Braille Usage Survey: Help collect feedback before the end of the year at tiny.cc/braillesurvey.

Accessible CAD tool: https://tada.wssb.wa.gov/ https://github.com/tdeck/3dmake https://see3d.org/ https://cada11y.cs.washington.edu/

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