Running to Stand Still

I started with another approach to the clock design. I wanted to try prototyping a tactile clock face that would eliminate the need for a talking clock. Allistar noted in his blog that "[s]tyle is something that’s also apparent - never assume because someone is blind they don’t embrace style. After all others can see us."

I wanted to see if I could propose something more stylish that would be enjoyable for both sighted and blind people.

To tell time using this clock, the user begins by locating the raised marker at the 12 o'clock position on the outer rim of the clock face. They move their finger toward the center of the clock (moving up two levels) until they find the depressions on the hours layer. Starting at the 12 o'clock position, they will trace clockwise around the circle, counting each depression until they reach the raised hour marker. To determine the number of minutes, they return to the 12 o'clock marker on the outter rim and move their finger toward the center of the clock (moving up one level) until they find the depressions on the minutes layer. Starting at the 12 o'clock position, they will track clockwise around the circle, counting each depression until they reach the raised minute marker.