Mosaic
Clarity for the visually impaired
Overview
Mosaic, a cutting-edge wearable technology, was developed during a week-long project for SCAD Startup, a student-led business design competition. This innovative product is designed to revolutionize personalized healthcare and accessibility for adults with various visual impairments. By incorporating condition-specific AI, secure cloud storage, and advanced navigation systems, Mosaic glasses provide a sophisticated yet discreet solution that enhances the daily lives of its users. The technology empowers individuals with visual impairments to navigate both familiar and unfamiliar environments with greater independence and confidence, ultimately improving their quality of life.
My Role
In my role as the lead product designer, I was deeply involved in every stage of the Mosaic glasses' journey, from research and design to development. My primary focus was to create a wearable that seamlessly blended functionality, aesthetics, and comfort, ensuring that the product would become an integral part of users' daily lives. To bring the vision of Mosaic to life, I produced a range of deliverables, including intricate digital models, 3D renders, and 3D printed prototypes. These assets not only showcased the design's elegance but also demonstrated the product's usability, highlighting its potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those with visual impairments.
Highlights
Problem
217 million people have moderate to severe vision impairment
Despite the existence of various aids, many find these solutions to be either overly conspicuous, lacking in customization options, or simply beyond their financial means. Unfortunately, the design community has often taken a one-size-fits-all approach, overlooking the complex and diverse spectrum of visual needs. As a result, the unique requirements of this population have not been adequately addressed, leaving many without access to the tools they need to navigate their lives with confidence and independence.
Solution
Mosaic emerges as a game-changer, bridging the gap with a solution that is as unobtrusive as it is transformative. Prescribed and fine-tuned by optometrists, these cutting-edge glasses harness the power of deep learning and spatial scanning technology to provide tailored support for each individual user. Whether it's navigating unfamiliar spaces using GPS and room navigation or recognizing faces and objects, Mosaic glasses empower users to maintain their autonomy and independence. With this discreet yet powerful tool, individuals with visual impairments can confidently explore the world around them, breaking down barriers and embracing new possibilities.
Approach
The Mosaic project was built on a foundation of thorough user research, aiming to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. The team conducted an in-depth competitive analysis, examining existing products on the market and identifying areas where they fell short in addressing the diverse spectrum of visual needs.
To ensure the feasibility of the project, we also delved into researching the cutting-edge technologies that could potentially be integrated into the Mosaic glasses. This included exploring the capabilities of LIDAR scanning for enhanced spatial awareness, bone conduction audio for discreet and immersive feedback, and gesture recognition for intuitive control. By assessing the viability and scalability of these technologies, we aimed to create a product that was not only innovative but also practical and achievable.
A unique characteristic of the Mosaic project was the compressed timeline of just one week to complete the entire endeavor. This constraint required a highly focused and efficient approach to research, prioritizing the most critical aspects of user needs and technological feasibility. Despite the limited timeframe, the team remained committed to conducting thorough research, recognizing that a deep understanding of the target audience and the available technologies was crucial to creating a product that would truly make a difference in the lives of individuals with visual impairments. By adopting an agile and adaptive research methodology, the Mosaic project demonstrated that even within a short span of time, it is possible to gather valuable insights and lay the groundwork for a transformative solution.
Design
The design process for Mosaic was an iterative journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of a product that seamlessly blended functionality and minimalism. The team recognized that for individuals navigating life with impaired vision, a device that drew unwanted attention could be more hindrance than help. With this in mind, every design decision was carefully considered, aiming to strike a delicate balance between sleek aesthetics and cutting-edge technology.
Through countless iterations and refinements, the final design emerged as a testament to the team's dedication and vision. The Mosaic glasses embodied a harmonious fusion of form and function, with clean lines and minimalist elegance that belied the advanced capabilities within. The product was more than just a tool; it was a companion, designed to empower and support those transitioning into life with visual impairments. Every curve, every material choice, and every technological integration was meticulously crafted to create a device that was not only effective but also discreet, allowing users to navigate their world with confidence and independence.
In the end, the Mosaic glasses encapsulated the core vision of the project: to create a product that would seamlessly integrate into the lives of those with visual impairments, providing them with the tools and support they needed to thrive. The design process was a testament to the power of iterative refinement, showcasing how a relentless focus on user needs and a commitment to balancing form and function can yield truly transformative results.
Impact
The true significance of Mosaic lies in its transformative potential to revolutionize the lives of adults facing visual impairments. By offering a personalized and adaptive tool, Mosaic empowers individuals to reclaim their independence and navigate the world with newfound confidence. The customizable nature of the glasses ensures that each user receives a solution tailored to their unique needs, acknowledging the diverse spectrum of visual challenges.
Reflection
This project was a profound learning experience, underscoring the importance of empathy in design and the potential of technology to transform lives. The challenge of balancing technological innovation with user-friendly design principles was both demanding and rewarding, offering insights into the complexities of designing for accessibility. The positive reception and the second-place finish at the SCAD Startup challenge validate the vision behind Mosaic and encourage further exploration and development in this vital area of healthcare and accessibility.