Low-Cost Tactile Coloring Page Fabrication on a Cutting Machine: Assembly and user experiences of cardstock-layered tangible pictures

Abstract

Tactile images are an important mode of information for the blind and low vision community but many of the common methods have high acquisition and material costs. This design inquiry looks at the use of a Cricut cutting machine to layer cardstock for creating tangible pictures and coloring pages. This report discusses the development of the technique followed by the corresponding production considerations, design iterations, pilot feedback, and limitations. We believe that in certain contexts this technique could be a viable method for conveying tactile information, especially in the context of early learning activities where practice is required for gaining life-long tactile graphicacy skills that can translate to reading maps and information graphics later in life. Additionally, the low acquisition cost of this method has value to parents and educators of blind and low vision children as a cheap DIY way to make tactile content.