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.”
About AdBlock AdBlock is an open source browser extension for blocking intrusive or distracting ads on websites. It is inconspicuous in the browsing experience but has a powerful impact, with the ability to block banner ads, pop-ups, and video ads. This extension has been my ad blocker of choice for close to a decade because […]
Design Critique: AdBlock (Google Chrome Extension) Read More »
The Fidget Cube is a six-sided hand-held toy designed to encourage focus by enabling fidgeting behavior. Each side of the Fidget Cube presents a different form of tactile engagement: a switch, a wheel, a joystick, a series of lock gears, five buttons of varying resistance, and an oval impression based on a worry stone. The
Assistive Technology: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube Read More »
Released in late 2018, Xbox Adaptive Controller is a customizable controller designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility. The Adaptive Controller is not aimed at a specific disability but provides a flexible hub for additional input devices and make gaming more accessible.
Assistive Technology: Xbox Adaptive Controller Read More »
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) system that is used as an early intervention method in the developmental process of kids with ASD. In this analysis, I would like to talk about how the PECS system works, how it is an accessible tool and how it fits
Assistive Technology – Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Read More »
The game The Last of Us, which was voted Game of the Decade, is one of Naughty Dog’s blockbusters that blurs the line between video game and art thanks to its masterful storytelling, beautiful visuals, and seamless gameplay. But is this award winning game able to set a standard of accessibility in third person action games?
Assistive Technology: The Last of Us Read More »
The iBill is a small device created to assist users in establishing what value dollar they need identified.
Assistive Technology: iBill- Talking Banknote Identifier Read More »
CAM (Controlled Ankle Motion) Walker is an alternative to the traditional plaster de Paris for a broken or sprained leg. It is made of hard shell and soft material inner liner. People use it to immobilize their ankles during the recovery period.
Assistive Technology: Controlled Ankle Motion Walker—CAM Read More »
In today’s society, automatic doors have become a common sight on across the globe. They are often found at retail stores, commercial buildings, offices, public buildings, clinics, etc. These doors are usually installed for purposes like ease of action or aesthetic appeal. Buildings opting for automatic sliding doors are generally buildings with a large flow
Assistive Technology: Automatic Sliding Doors Read More »
Most standalone translators are designed along the lines of translating what you’re hearing (or saying) in real-time by just pressing one button. Since this is a product that only does one thing- translate, to make it straightforward and easy to use, most devices have a minimum screen or no screen, with only one or two buttons, a mic for input and a speaker for output.
Assistive Technology: Portable translators Read More »
Prosthetic devices play a major role in post-amputation recovery. These can serve as cosmetic rehabilitation that can provide a psychological advantage. More advanced prosthetics provide some functional rehabilitation, allowing for daily living tasks such as grooming and dressing, and reducing liability and overuse damage on the contralateral hand. Engineers at John Hopkins University designed a
Assistive Technology: Robotic Arm – The Present & The Future Read More »