I’m a student at Art Center College of Design, studying transportation design, with the intention of becoming a car designer. One of the projects I’m currently working on is based on sound. It’s a system based on conveying information to the driver based on sound and haptic feedback, which I am tentatively calling Tactile Sound.

Although there are numerous driver’s aids available that capitalize on the many sensors and cameras that are a part of modern vehicles, few convey that data to the user effectively. Tactile Sound uses that data for both safety and the enhancement of the driving experience, by transmitting that information to the user subtly and invisibly through sound and haptic feedback.

I imagine this as a system for everyone, whether visually impaired or not, but I thought I would start by asking the visually impaired community some questions, because I would wager that no one else understands the world through sound, as well as you do. So if any of you have a moment to respond to any of the following questions, I would really appreciate it. Any insight, big or small, whether it’s something I asked or not, is great. Thank you, so much.

Have you been visually impaired your entire life?


How long have you been visually impaired?

To what degree are you visually impaired?

Do you use echolocation in some form?

How do you understand spaces you are unfamiliar with?

How do you understand spaces you are familiar with?

How do you understand the presence of moving objects (animate or inanimate)?

How do you navigate those spaces?

How do you navigate open spaces, like city streets?

What tools do you use to aid navigating your everyday life?

How would you rank those tools in order of importance?

What prevents you from understanding a space or environment?

How do you know when you are in danger?’

How do you avoid danger?

What do you do when encounter sounds you don’t understand?

What makes driving (or riding as a passenger) difficult for you?


Thanks, again.