New thin, flexible tactile displays to make screens accessible for people who are blind
Official title: Creating New Tactile Sensations for Tactile Aids with Designer Materialsudel
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11609398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new thin film technology will let touch-based screens mimic visual displays, helping people who are blind or visually impaired use phones and other devices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $866,244 |
| NIH project number | 2R56EY032584-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11609398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals who are blind or have severe vision impairment and rely on tactile or assistive technologies.
✕Less likely to help
People without vision impairment or those who do not use tactile interfaces may not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a flexible, dynamic tactile surface that can change feel in different areas to represent on-screen information. It will start with a tactile screen prototype and test it in object identification and location tasks. The team will explore variants of the material to expand the range of tactile sensations and determine how best to integrate these tactile cues with existing display technologies. Patients and blind collaborators will help steer development to address real daily-use needs. The work will build a foundation for future accessible tactile displays using modern materials and cost-effective production.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could make everyday screens more usable for people who are blind or visually impaired, increasing independence and access to information.
How similar studies have gone: Previous tactile display work shows promise, and this project seeks to advance practical, user-informed improvements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhong, Charles B. — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Dhong, Charles B.
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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.