Translating visual information into tactile information
- 1. Translating Visual Information into Tactile Information Nicole Johnson Vernée Hemphill Wendy Holden
- 2. Central Access • Central Washington University • Produces Alternative Media • Edited Word Documents • HTML • Audio Files • Braille • Tactile Graphics • Student Based Workforce
- 3. Quick Notes •We require a simplified process due to • Volume of material being produced at a time • Student technicians •Evolution to improve product • Student employee as a consultant • Feedback from users
- 4. What are tactile graphics? •Starting with an image, translating the information to be felt not seen
- 5. When are they helpful? • When image descriptions become convoluted
- 6. When are they not helpful? • When images can be described with text alone
- 7. Methods of Production • Vacuum-form copy from collage/tooling or embossed plus collage • Embossed • Microcapsule Source: https://www.teiresias.muni.cz/en/library-and-publishing/services/tactile-graphics/embossed-graphics
- 8. Microcapsule: Reactive paper that causes ink to swell under heat
- 9. Basics •Awareness of level/type of content •Identify relevant information •Strip down visual elements
- 10. What should be included, and what should be omitted?
- 14. Technical Details A “language” of common elements for graphics
- 15. Textures • Comparable to “colors” • Used to differentiate objects • Just because the graphic uses different colors doesn’t mean that textures are needed
- 17. Textures are helpful to distinguish different parts of a graphic
- 20. Standardized Tools • Template • Common braille letters/numbers • Dots • Label line
- 21. Standardized Tools • 2-4 line point • Commonly used dashed lines • Specific arrows
- 24. White Backing Lines! Hugely important so swelled ink will not bleed together
- 25. Combining descriptions with tactiles Transcribers notes are useful in graphics to explain orientation
- 27. Using Keys • Braille takes up a lot of space, it’s often necessary to include a text key with the graphic • We are still in the process of adapting the BANA standard for key and graphic orientation Source: http://www.brailleauthority.org/tg/web-manual/index.html, unit 5
- 28. In-Graphic Keys •Always located at the top of the graphic, under the title •Labeled “Key:”
- 29. Representing information as a table • These graph values can be transcribed into tables, and included on a key
- 30. Splitting graphics into multiple parts Tactile senses are different than sight, an eighth of an inch is as small as fingers can distinguish. Sometimes you can’t fit all the necessary information onto one swell sheet.
- 31. Where do you even start?
- 33. It’s helpful have the first graphic of a series outline the overall layout of the graphic, and include corresponding page number references
- 35. Alternative option for low vision • Variety of font options • Does not need to know braille
- 36. Methods for handling and organizing hundreds of graphics at a time
- 37. Summary • Tactile graphics are a method for translating visual information into tactile information. • Start by identifying relevant information and simplifying visual elements. • Convey information using consistent elements such as textures and specific line weights and dashes. • Consider using keys or multiple parts if there is too much information to fit on one swell sheet. • Large print is an option for low vision.
- 38. Limitations of 2.5d tactiles when dealing with 3d images • New 3d printing technology is an exciting option
- 39. Sample tactile graphics are available in the back with our contact information CentralAccess@CWU.edu