This project was executed in partnership with Mr. Pushpendra Singh as a design project at CPDM, IISc, Bangalore. The task on hand was to understand how the visually challenged people go about their daily routine and tackle the everyday chores. The study was done by interacting with several groups of the visually challenged people at various associations.  

 

 

About the research

 

The technique of focus groups was chosen for user research study as this is a very niche product area. It was best to hear the participants in a friendly environment and make them comfortable to answer questions. The teachers and wardens at the institutes were also interviewed to obtain supplementary information for a more holistic approach to the design.  

 

Interview Sample : 

Visually Challenged Students and teachers at :

1. MitraJyothi Trust, HSR Layout, Bangalore 

2. Samarthan Trust for disabled, JP Nagar, Bangalore 

3. Karnataka Welfare Association for Blind, Sheshadripuram, Bangalore

4. Shree Ramana Maharshi Academy for Blind, JP Nagar, Bangalore 

5. Andh Jan Mandal, Gujarat University Area, Ahmedabad

 

Focus Group and Interview Questions included : 

1. About their Lifestyle : Is training necessary ? What is included in their training ? What are the difficult parts of their training? To what extent can they do their daily tasks on their own ? 

2. About their contact with different liquids : Everyday tasks when they need to measure liquids - in buckets, jugs, cups, glasses etc. - their techniques and challenges -

3. Attitude towards product based solutions - changes to lifestyle - gaining independence - context with environment

 

Responses and Insights : 

1. Training starts in childhood for born blind and for accident victims at any age

2. Training includes reference about space, navigation, everyday tasks like bathing, clothing etc. 

3. Everyday tasks for them that need measuring of liquids are -

   • water in bucket for bathing 

   • oil/shampoo in hand for hair

   • water in a glass for drinking or cooking

   • tea/coffee etc. in a cup or mug

   • medicines in a spoon/lid etc. 

4. Environments in which liquid measuring is required : 

   • At home - kitchen, bathroom, dining etc. - known  

   • Outside - restraunts, schools, hospitals etc. - unknown

   • Traveling - in bus, train etc.  - noisy and crowded

5. Their current technique is either dipping a finger in the container while filling it, or hearing the sound made while the liquid is being filled

6. They are unaware of the products available in market abroad; teachers are aware about the products but also know that they are not affordable by majority of the visually challenged 

7. The most valuale thing to them is independence and they are proud that they can lead near normal lives without being dependent on anybody else