Touchnav is an innovative navigation aid that enables blind individuals to navigate independently, offering a heightened sense of security. Its tactile progress bar enhances users' awareness of their journey's progress, improving spatial awareness and safety. Memory point vibrations provide gentle guidance, strengthening users' connection to their environment. More than a mere tool, Touchnav is a supportive companion that boosts the confidence and safety of visually impaired users, empowering them to confidently engage with the world around them.
Jifeng Shen is a scholar specializing in human-computer interaction, currently pursuing a Master's degree in Design Management at the Macau University of Science and Technology. He has led multiple projects, accumulating extensive practical experience. Shen has received several design awards, including the American IDEA Design Award and Core77, showcasing his exceptional talent and innovation in the design field. He is dedicated to combining the theory and practice of human-computer interaction, promoting the application of intelligent technologies in design, and providing users with more convenient and efficient solutions. Tianhao Liu is a multidisciplinary designer and programmer with bachelor's degrees in Industrial Design and Computer Science. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Design Management at the Macau University of Science and Technology. He has studied robotics in Guangdong-Hong Kong and has worked as an interaction designer, specializing in design practices using smart hardware and artificial intelligence technologies. He has been involved in the design and development of multiple smart hardware projects and innovative design initiatives. During his undergraduate studies, he also received numerous awards in design. Huang Guanghui is currently an Associate Professor and PhD supervisor at Macau University of Science and Technology. He serves as a member of the Academic and Teaching Committee, and as the Director of the Design and Fine Arts Programs at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts. Additionally, he holds several other positions, including member of the Teaching Advisory Committee for Design Programs at Undergraduate Institutions in Guangdong Province, Director of the China Industrial Design Association, Deputy Secretary-General of the Macau Higher Education Development Promotion Association, and Vice President of the Macau International Design Alliance.
The Touchnav team, comprised of five university students from diverse academic backgrounds, is committed to enhancing the independence and safety of visually impaired individuals with their innovative navigation cane. Their inventive solution, Touchnav, transforms environmental data into tactile feedback, enabling users to navigate with confidence and ease. This interdisciplinary team melds a unique combination of creativity and technical expertise to advance accessibility and champion inclusivity. In developing Touchnav, they are not merely crafting a navigation tool but are nurturing a more interconnected and supportive community for the visually impaired. Their collaborative endeavour demonstrates a profound comprehension of the complex challenges faced by the visually impaired community and a dedicated pursuit to instigate positive social change through cohesive technological innovations.