New tactile surface materials to make touch graphics clearer for people who are blind
Creating New Tactile Sensations for Tactile Aids with Designer Materials
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE · NIH-11304520
This project will create special surface coatings so people who are blind can feel more detailed, less cluttered tactile graphics and data.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11304520 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing “designer materials” — surface coatings that produce new and distinct touch sensations beyond traditional bumps and lines. They will combine these materials with 3D printing to make prototypes that pack more information into the same space without creating tactile clutter. Blind participants will try the prototypes to see how well they can interpret complex visuals by touch. The team will refine the coatings and designs based on user feedback to improve clarity and usability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who are blind or have severe visual impairment and who currently use or could use tactile graphics and tactile aids.
Not a fit: People with normal vision or those with reduced fingertip sensation (for example from neuropathy) may not benefit directly from these tactile-surface advances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let people who are blind access more detailed graphs, maps, and data through touch.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively new: prior work mostly used raised patterns or audio, so designer surface coatings for denser tactile graphics are largely untested in people.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DHONG, CHARLES B. — UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
- Study coordinator: DHONG, CHARLES B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.