Designing While Blind: Nonvisual Tools and Inclusive Workflows for Tactile Graphic Creation

Abstract

Blind individuals encounter access barriers while leading the design of media they consume, particularly with tactile graphics. Blind designers are underrepresented in the field of tactile graphic design, where sighted designers routinely control the process and output on their behalf. This lack of representation is caused by inaccessible digital technology that prevents the nonvisual design of tactile graphics by Blind designers. We address these challenges by forming a Blind-led team of four Blind designers, one sighted designer, and one sighted researcher, designing tactile graphics to better understand areas of process improvement. We discuss navigating workflow challenges and reflect on the opportunities of a Blind-led design process. Based on our experience, we contribute recommendations on nonvisual tools and inclusive workflows for practitioners and researchers who wish to engage in accessible design practices. Understanding the challenges and opportunities in Blind-led design spaces supports other disability communities of design practice.