Smartrack Tactile guide path by Kin Wai Michael SIU, Chi Hang Paul LO |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: Smartrack PRIMARY FUNCTION: Tactile guide path INSPIRATION: The traditional guide path is not used by VIPs because the path is always covered by unexpected waste or substances. In extreme weather such as snow conditions the guide path does not function well too. The design does not conform to ergonomics principles that the path would guide people to turn at 90 degrees or a sharp angle. These issues inspire us to invent an innovative and revolutionary tactile guide path for VIPs so that VIPs can really enjoy walking on streets. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Smartrack applies radio-frequency identification technology and various tangible tactile forms. With a thin RFID tag attached inside individual tactile path tiles, a sensor at the tip of a specially designed cane for visually impaired persons (VIPs) can recognize the path within a 20cm range. Different vibration pulses will be generated at the cane handle to inform user to walk, turn or stop. VIPs can receive information through the pulses and also the tactile sensation under foot. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: When VIPs approach Smartrack, different kinds of vibration pulses will be generated at the cane handle to inform user to walk, turn or stop, even under a bad weather or on ground surface with not-yet-clean condition. Underneath the handle of the cane there is a button to switch on or turn off the vibration mode. At the top of the cane there is a button to switch on or turn of the location mode. The location mode helps VIPs locate public facilities through using the Smartrack App in smart phones. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in April 2018 in Hong Kong and it is still on-going. Several preliminary studies and research were conducted before the commencement of this project. FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Social Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Smartrack is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a thin RFID tag attached inside individual tactile path tiles. The special designed cane has a body made from carbon fiber and nylon 66, and an ergonomic handle made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 300 mm x 600 Depth mm x 10 Height mm Ceramic rubber made for tactile guide path with luminous contrast surface materials coating with the standard ISO/FDIS 23599 TAGS: Tactile guide path, visually impaired persons, walking experience, radio-frequency identification, participatory design, inclusive design, smart city RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Intensive observations and interviews were conducted to understand how people interact with the existing visual impaired supporting facilities and integrated with simple technology. It is found that visually impaired people is increased their daily mobility around the community. Also, the participants not only visually impaired and Smartrack extend to other types of user: elderly and travellers are loved the idea. It had enhanced their quality of life. It increases their interest in outgoing activities and arouses to enjoy travelling and exploring outdoor around the community. CHALLENGE: The hardest part of this design activities was to communicate with different government departments so that our design can be implemented in Hong Kong. The management of public places in Hong Kong is complicated that sometimes a street is managed by several departments, and we have to communicate with and mediate between them. ADDED DATE: 2019-10-01 13:21:59 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Kin Wai Michael SIU, Chi Hang LO, Yi Lin WONG, Steve YEUNG, Maurice KWOK IMAGE CREDITS: Kin Wai Michael SIU, Chi Hang Paul LO, 2019. PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyrights belong to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2019. Trademark belong to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2019. |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS | |
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NAME: Public Design Lab, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University PROFILE: Promote and develop public design; Promote and develop sustainable public environments, facilities and street furniture; Respect, consider and serve the needs and preferences of the deprived, persons with disabilities and persons with special needs; Promote design collaboration with government departments, NGOs, academic and research institutions, and professional bodies at policy, implementation and management levels; Provide professional consultancy on public design; Promote interdisciplinary research on public design; and Nurture designers with creativity, and cultural and social awareness in public design. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Smartrack Tactile Guide Path by Kin Wai Michael Siu, Chi Hang Paul Lo is Runner-up for A' Design Award in Social Design Category, 2019 - 2020.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Kin Wai Michael SIU, Chi Hang Paul LO. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Kin Wai Michael SIU, Chi Hang Paul LO. |
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