Design of a Tactile Map: An Assistive Product for the Visually Impaired

Assistive Products that promote the learning of spatial mobility, route guidance and selection of destinations, can favor the independence and quality of life of blind people or with low vision. This paper presents the design process of a tactile map to assist in teaching the discipline of mobility and spatial orientation for blind and low vision people. The tactile map is an assistive product that aids in route selection and location of buildings and public spaces. Such a map has the different blocks through different textures with different reliefs. The project uses the methodology for development of assistive technologies aimed at accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. The design process included needs data collection with a teacher of mobility and spatial orientation discipline. Later, with the objective to meet the requirements shown in the research, the researches elaborated sketches and alternatives. After this step, the tactile map was selected as the best option due to costs and resistance through 3D printing technology. The validation of the product will occur with visual impaired users who attend the discipline of mobility in the Blind Institute, located in the state of Parana, Brazil. The product generated can assist the institute's teachers to explain the location of each building, street or public place with the help of differentiation through tactile textures.