Abstract
In India, despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) mandating accessible information in public spaces, Braille menus are still largely absent in restaurants. As a result, visually impaired individuals must rely on others to make their dining choices, limiting their autonomy and food experiences. This project aims to enhance inclusion and autonomy for visually impaired individuals by bridging boundaries and transforming conventional menus into engaging, brand-aligned Braille menus using tactile and colourful surface embellishments. By incorporating sensory-rich elements that also appeal to sighted children, it seeks to reduce social barriers and create equal participation and an enhanced dining experience. User studies with students from a nearby blind school revealed a strong need for menus that not only provide information but also offer playful interaction and independence. Fine Kundan stonework was selected for its durability, clear tactile definition, and close tactile feel to Braille to create child-friendly, customizable patterns. The resulting high-fidelity prototype was designed for Lilpops Ice Cream Parlour, using vibrant tactile motifs to reflect the brand’s identity while maintaining accurate Braille readability. This research shows that inclusive design can move beyond compliance by blending accessibility with aesthetic and experiential value. Through user co-creation and the integration of craft-based embellishments, it demonstrates how small design intervention can bridge social divides in public spaces.
Presenters
Afrose FaridProfessor and Campus Academic Co-ordinator, Textile Design, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kerala, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Braille menu, Surface embellishment, Accessibility, Visual impairment, Social inclusivity
