What makes some designs good and others bad? Why do some designs work while others don’t? Posts in this category offer thoughtful design critiques of modern digital interfaces, with commentary inspired by Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things.”
Introduction LibraryThing is a free book and movie cataloging website and app made specifically for personal and independent libraries. The application is praised for its simplicity, not using any library software to work and only requiring a username and password to begin. LibraryThing uses thousands of database systems like Library of Congress, Amazon, and public […]
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Adaptive scissors are specialized cutting tools designed to assist individuals with physical disabilities or limited hand strength, dexterity, or coordination. For people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, arthritis, or hand tremors, these scissors can be particularly beneficial in achieving greater independence and ease in everyday tasks. Key features 1. Continuous Loop Handles The most
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Apple’s VoiceOver is a screen reader that enables individuals with visual impairments to navigate their devices through auditory feedback and gesture-based controls. In this blog post, I will be doing a brief analysis of its accessibility features, particularly through the lenses of the functional and social models of disability. Gesture-Based Control: Usability Meets Accessibility One
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The Nintendo Switch is a video game console developed by Nintendo that allows users to dock the device for home-console play or to be played as a handheld device. Users can buy and download games for their Nintendo Switch through the in-device application, “Nintendo eShop”. The eShop acts as a storefront that helps users browse,
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Procreate’s UI stands out for its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. It doesn’t overwhelm users, avoids screen clutter, and gives the feeling of working on a real canvas. However, this “clean” and “minimalist” interface design can present a steeper learning curve for newer users, especially those unfamiliar with Procreate’s layout.
The critique focuses on the user experience for newer Procreate users, including seasoned artists unfamiliar with the app and novice artists testing it for the first time.
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One of the major hearing aid manufacturers, Phonak, recently launched the Infinio Sphere hearing aid, which includes several new features intended to enhance accessibility for people who are hard of hearing. Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) have come a long way since the early models developed by Miller Rees Hutchinson in 1898, which were large
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Otter.ai provides real-time transcription and AI meeting note-taking services that help many working professionals and students get the most out of their virtual/live meetings without having to worry about note completion and accuracy. Though it was not originally developed for the disability community, it has gained great recognition from people with disabilities, specifically those who
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Introduction Voice Control is an assistive tool that was first introduced to Apple laptops and computers in 2019 through the macOS Catalina software update. It allows users with physical disabilities to fully use their device, boasting the ability to navigate a desktop and its applications and interact with on-screen activity using voice commands. Stand Out
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OrCam Technologies leverages artificial intelligence to develop portable assistive devices, enhancing independence for individuals with visual impairments or reading challenges. These AI-driven tools, available in handheld and wearable formats, expand access to information and facilitate interaction with the environment
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AirPods Pro are wireless earbuds that offer a range of features designed to enhance audio experiences for users with diverse hearing needs. These features include noise cancellation, spatial audio, adaptive transparency, and a hearing health suite. Key Accessibility Features Live Listen Live Listen turns the iPhone into a remote microphone that sends sound to AirPods
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