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CASE STUDY
AI-powered GPS & OCR Device
We’ve redesigned an innovative navigation device with an intuitive touch interface to assist blind or low-vision individuals in their daily journeys.
AI-powered GPS & OCR Device for Individuals with Visual Impairments
Company
Industry
Assistive Technology
Sector
Visual Impairments
Product Type
Physical Device
Expertise
Industrial Design, Mechanical Design
A Navigation Device to Guide Visually Impaired Users
HumanWare, a Canadian company, specializes in developing solutions that enhance the autonomy of individuals with visual impairments and vision loss.
CLEIO has reimagined their navigation device to meet growing expectations for accessibility and mobility.
The StellarTrek, the third generation of the Trekker, features advanced capabilities such as crosswalk detection, address confirmation, and optical character recognition (OCR). These innovations help users navigate busy streets and identify key landmarks with great ease.
How CLEIO Redesigned the Product While Preserving HumanWare's Brand Identity
We redesigned the product to seamlessly integrate its advanced functionalities while addressing the specific needs and constraints of its users. At the same time, we ensured that HumanWare’s brand identity remained intact, redefining the product’s visual language to align with its essence.
Research and User Understanding
To better understand the constraints faced by visually impaired users, we conducted preliminary immersion research.
Several activities were carried out to determine the optimal placement of the product on the user’s body (neck, wrist, belt) and to assess its attachment system while considering usage constraints.
A collaborative session with HumanWare helped us define a clear product vision, particularly through the analysis of competing products and the identification of innovation opportunities.
Concept Proposals
We used 3D models to explore multiple design concepts with varying button placements and grip options.
Ultimately, it was decided that the StellarTrek should be worn as an accessory while remaining held in hand during active use.
Taking Technical Constraints into Account
The integration of electronic components and technologies within the device required our industrial designers to adapt to various constraints.
Through an iterative approach and close collaboration with HumanWare’s technical team, we developed a product that is both functional and well-suited to its intended conditions of use.
Waterproofing
Several iterations were necessary to improve the device’s waterproofing, ensuring it could be used in the rain. In particular, all physical buttons were a key challenge.
Antenna and Camera
To ensure optimal antenna performance, a significant portion of the product had to remain free from interference and buttons. Additionally, the device’s grip was carefully designed to prevent users from inadvertently obstructing the camera with their fingers.
Appearance
The volume of electronics inside the device, antenna constraints, and usage conditions led us to explore several options, including the device’s size, placement on the body, and attachment system. To make the best choice, we assessed the impact of each approach on user adoption.
Applying Accessibility Principles
Designing a product for visually impaired users requires careful attention to ergonomics, button hierarchy, and grip to ensure optimal usability.
Ergonomics and Grip
For active hand-held use, the device must remain stable to ensure camera precision, while the controls should be easily accessible for seamless navigation.
We designed the device to be as ergonomic as a smartphone, featuring an organic, pebble-like shape with a contemporary treatment.
Texture
We worked on the texture to enhance the haptic experience, incorporating a well-defined peripheral zone on the front for intuitive handling. Differentiated textures on the front and back aid grip and orientation.
Button Hierarchy
When designing the device’s user interface, we defined the type of buttons along with their tactile feedback and texture (e.g., soft membrane, plastic, bumpy). Differentiating the buttons enhances usability by making them easier to identify and helping users prioritize their functions.
Attachment Systems
Various attachment systems, such as clips and lanyards, were considered to accommodate different user preferences.
Visual Identity and Branding
We defined the logo and visual identity for the product, ensuring alignment with HumanWare’s brand identity.
Logo
Inspired by the brand’s core themes of “vision”, “orientation” and “intelligence”, we designed a new logo applied to the device.
The logo combines the letter “S” and a location symbol. The “S” represents the StellarTrek’s path, curving at the top to form a distinct location marker, emphasized by the orange color.
Visual Identity
The device’s design was developed in alignment with HumanWare’s brand identity. We maintained consistency with the existing visual identity while introducing modern elements to ensure that the StellarTrek seamlessly integrates into their product line.
We chose rounded corners and delineated colors, materials, and textures to define distinct zones, while also enhancing the tactile experience through visual emphasis.
A Product Designed for Mass Production
The project concluded with a production phase, coordinated with the HumanWare team responsible for the electronics. By working closely with their supplier, we refined the design to optimize it for high-volume manufacturing.
A version 2.1 of the StellarTrek has just been launched, featuring new functionalities and technological improvements to further enhance the independence and autonomy of blind individuals.
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