PAW: Tactile Wayfinder

What it does

The PAW Tactile Wayfinder helps people with acquired visual impairments navigate safely using a rotating tactile button and ultrasonic sensors. It reduces auditory load and supports route memory to restore independence.

Your inspiration

I was surprised to learn that, while hygiene and medical advances have reduced the number of people with congenital visual impairment, the global incidence of acquired visual impairment continues to rise—mainly due to ageing populations. This means more people are experiencing sight loss later in life. Acquired visual impairment often causes anxiety, reduced confidence, and auditory overload, especially in unfamiliar environments. Traditional aids like white canes require extensive training, and guide dogs come with high costs, responsibilities, and limited accessibility. These challenges inspired me to create a practical alternative.

How it works

The PAW Tactile Wayfinder combines a micro stepper motor, ultrasonic sensor, vibration motors, gyroscope, and NFC to enable intuitive, tactile-based navigation. Tapping a smartphone on the back of the device launches the app and pairs it via Bluetooth. Users speak their destination into the app and receive real-time guidance through a 360-degree rotating tactile button. Two vibration motors—left for direction changes and right for obstacle alerts—provide clear, distinct signals to minimise confusion. The ultrasonic sensor at the front detects obstacles within a user-set range of up to 4.5 metres. As the user moves closer, the vibration pattern intensifies to warn of increasing risk. In familiar places like home, users can replay previous routes via voice guidance to strengthen spatial memory. They can also log unmarked hazards, construction zones, or landmarks—supporting ongoing learning and personalised navigation.

Design process

The design process for the PAW Tactile Wayfinder began by benchmarking Paralympic athletes with visual impairments and animals that adapt well to low-vision environments. This inspired a focus on non-visual exploration strategies. Interviews, observational studies, and role-playing with visually impaired individuals revealed key challenges including anxiety, sensory overload, and difficulties using traditional aids such as white canes and guide dogs. Prototyping focused on tactile interaction. Early models used a servo motor for directional feedback, later replaced by a micro stepper motor and internal gear system for smoother, more precise rotation. Ultrasonic sensors were added for obstacle detection, while NFC technology allowed simple app pairing. A push button was included for saving landmarks during travel. User testing highlighted key improvements. Participants preferred clearer tactile distinctions and confirmed the need for one-handed use and a lightweight design. Based on feedback, the interface, size, materials, contrast, and ergonomics were refined. The final prototype delivers reliable tactile navigation, supporting safe and independent mobility.

How it is different

Unlike traditional mobility aids that rely heavily on auditory feedback, the PAW Tactile Wayfinder offers a tactile alternative that reduces cognitive and sensory overload—especially in noisy or unfamiliar settings. It also minimises smartphone dependence, which can be a barrier for older users. Apart from speaking a destination into the app at home or reviewing routes in safe spaces, users navigate with minimal screen interaction. While guide dogs are effective, they are costly, scarce, and require long waiting periods—often over 15 months since the pandemic. PAW offers a lightweight, accessible solution that requires no extensive training or total vision loss. To support users who can perceive high contrast and shading, the device features bold red accents on key interfaces and edges, enhancing visibility and inclusivity for a broader range of visual abilities.

Future plans

The next step is to improve PAW’s durability, water resistance, and battery life, alongside a more compact, ergonomic design with sharper haptic feedback. I also plan to expand the app with live navigation updates and community-shared landmarks. A pilot run in Ireland is planned, with feedback shaping the final product. Long term, I aim to partner with public services to make PAW a more accessible option for those adapting to vision loss.

Awards

BSc Product Design Award Winner 2025 - Design Research Award by the final year project supervision team of TU811 BSc Product Design at the Technological University Dublin.