Framing the design challenge without having yet spoken to a blind person is a little bit difficult. Right now there is only secondary online research done but I still went ahead and tried framing my design challenge that might help me be more specific within my research. I am fully aware that the design challenge might change after talking to a few of my users but I thought it was still worth a try and would be interesting to see what the difference is, before and after interviews.


What is the problem you’re trying to solve?

Help to improve an experience, an interaction or a specific touchpoint of a blind person.

1) Take a stab at framing it as a design question.

How might I improve a daily experience or a touchpoint of a blind person?

2) Now state the ultimate impact you’re trying to have.

I want to help blind people navigate around the city with more ease.

3) What are some possible solutions to your problem?

  • Something within the built environment that can tell them where they are
  • Something that takes tracks their journey and navigates them
  • A GPS hearing/listening device 
  • A piece of technology that they wear
  • Classes to teach them to look out for certain things when navigation (something they probably do already)

4) Finally, write down some of the context and constraints that you’re facing.

  • The demographic I am trying to reach might not want to be involved/ participate
  • Without much research done, this might not be an issue that blind people have
  • My project has a time limit
  • I want to make sure this is something that will be helpful and will want to be used
  • Creating a piece of technology is difficult and time consuming
  • Access to install something within the built environment might be difficult

5) Does your original question need a tweak? Try it again.

How might I create a better experience for a blind person navigating around the city?

TAGS : | |