Eye Empathise
Concept awarded winner of the 2024 Apple Swift Student Challenge*
An interactive iPad/tablet game to encourage empathy for individuals with visual disabilities. Designed to simulate visual impairments and raise awareness for individuals with visual disabilities. The app provides camera filters and guided exercises to help users understand the challenges faced by those with visual impairments.
Timeline — 2 Days (2024)
Role — User researcher / UI designer
Team — Madison Nguyen, Anh Nguyen
Challenge —
How might we simulate visual impairments and encourage understanding for individuals with visual disabilities by helping users understand the challenges faced by those with visual impairments?
Solution —
To create an app that simulates visual impairments and fosters empathy for individuals with visual disabilities. The app will provide camera filters and guided exercises designed to help users understand and experience the challenges faced by those with visual impairments. The ultimate goal is to create a more empathetic and informed society, promoting inclusivity and better support for those with visual disabilities.
Research —
Completed in just two days, I began with a brainstorming session, jotting down numerous concepts related to visual impairment, considering various types such as low vision and color blindness. I finalised a concept that gamifies the experience and includes both groups. Following this, I created low-fidelity wireframes, which I then refined into mid-fidelity wireframes to flesh out the design further.
Brainstroming + Affinity diagraming
Low fidelity wireframing
Mid fidelity wireframing
Key Features —
01
Homescreen + Select mini game
Upon clicking "Start," users can choose to engage with one of three interactive experiences: a game tailored for color blindness, an activity designed for low vision, or a simulation to help understand the everyday experiences of those with these visual impairments. Each option offers a unique and immersive way to foster empathy and understanding.
02
Colour blindness simulator
Users can toggle through various options and enable their camera to simulate different types of color blindness, providing a firsthand experience of what the world looks like through the eyes of someone with these visual impairments. This feature enhances understanding and empathy by allowing users to see how specific color blindness conditions affect perception.
03
Colour blindness game
Users can play a mini-game where they attempt to read numbers visible in Ishihara test images. This interactive feature simulates the experience of identifying numbers with different types of color blindness, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
04
Low vision
Users can participate in a mini-game where they enter and submit letters that progressively become blurrier.
05
Make an impact
Users can click on the "About" section to learn more about how they can make a positive impact and promote empathy for individuals experiencing visual disabilities. This section provides information and resources on how to support and advocate for those with visual impairments, encouraging a more inclusive and understanding community.
User flow —
What I’ve learnt from this project
Empathy through simulation
By creating features that allow users to experience the world through the eyes of those with visual disabilities, I realised how impactful immersive technology can be in fostering empathy and awareness.
Thinking forward
Whilst making the app I though about integrating accessibility features such as voice-over support, large text options, and high-contrast modes would highlight the importance of making digital experiences accessible to everyone. Although I have not implemented them within this rapid design challenge it has pushed me towards future concept development.
User-centric design
I learned the significance of user-centric design, especially for accessibility. Ensuring that the app is intuitive and easy to use for all users, including those with visual impairments, required a thoughtful approach to design elements, navigation, and feedback mechanisms.