Towards Rapid Fabrication of Custom Tactile Surface Indicators for Indoor Navigation

Tactile surface indicators (TSIs) provide ground-based tactile cues to help pedestrians who are blind or low-vision safely and independently navigate different environments. For example, TSIs can serve as warnings for hazards (e.g., edge of a subway platforms) and directional guides (e.g., a route through a mall). In this exploratory work, we examine how digital fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, CNC milling, vacuum forming, and heat transfer melting can enable the production of custom TSIs. To compare different fabrication approaches, we designed and evaluated a series of prototypes with varied surface materials and design features (e.g., bump height). We then solicited feedback on our ideas and fabricated TSIS via two initial qualitative evaluations: one with a blind cane user and another with an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialist. Our initial findings demonstrate that digital fabrication processes—primarily 3D printing and CNC milling—can produce salient and useful TSIs, and indicate interest in our approach and how highly customized, rapidly fabricable TSIs could support navigation in reconfigurable indoor spaces.