Basic Functionality

A depth image from a 3d camera is haptically projected on the back of the hand by using vibration motors. The location of a vibration depicts an object’s relative position in space, the strength of the vibration represents its distance. See the demo video on the right for better understanding.

Project Background

There is a multitude of projects that have dealt with the topic of Sensory Substitution, but to date there are only very few practical implementations of the idea, which in turn are used by a negligible small number of people. While extremely sophisticated technology is used, design and user-friendliness often suffer. I therefore started researching the topic in an open and iterative rapid prototyping process. Problems of existing solutions should be included, the operation and learning should be easier and a higher acceptance for the system should be created by addressing usability and interaction design requirements.

Current Prototype & Empiric Study in 2021

Over the years, several prototype versions were created, up to the current version presented here. In the summer of 2021, I was able to test it in an empirical study with 14 blind and sighted test persons as part of my master’s thesis. As expected, it turned out that the path to a practical aid for blind people is still long – nevertheless, the study revealed a number of aspects that the Unfolding Space Glove already meets or which are valuable for further developments. Also see section “Publication” for further Details and a link to the paper.