SOUNDSIGHT

Jan. 2022 — Apr. 2022

  • Capstone - Theme : Sound

    A compact scanner that reads product information aloud—making everyday tasks easier and safer for those with visual impairments.

RESEARCH FINDING

Globally, only 36% of individuals with distance vision impairment from refractive errors and just 17% of those with vision impairment from cataracts have received proper treatment.

While vision loss can affect people of all ages, it predominantly impacts those over the age of 50s.

IMPACT OF VISION IMPAIRMENT

Adults with vision impairment can experience lower employment rates and higher levels of depression and anxiety, and for older adults.

This condition can also lead to social isolation, mobility challenges, increased risk of falls and fractures, and a greater likelihood of early into nursing or care homes.

CAUSES

  • Refractive errors (88.4 million)

  • Cataract (94 million)

  • Diabetic Retinopathy (3.9 million)

  • Glaucoma (7.7 million)

  • Age-related macular degeneration (8 million)

DAILY PROBLEMS

  • Navigating Around Places

  • Finding Reading Material

  • Overly Helpful Individuals

  • Getting Devices to Become Independent

  • The most valuable thing for a disabled person is gaining independence.

How much of shopping can a visually impaired person

really do on their own?

Shopping with a friend or family member

  • Asking for a shopping assistant

  • Making a shopping list

  • Online Shopping

Persona

28, Partial vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy

“I can still do a lot on my own—I just need a little help reading the fine print.”

Background
Gradual vision loss in recent years. Can see outlines and large fonts, but struggles with small print and low-contrast labels. Lives with his wife but likes doing the shopping himself.

Goals

  • Maintain independence and dignity despite vision loss

  • Avoid buying incorrect or unsafe items

  • Use technology that doesn’t feel overly complicated

Pain Points

  • Can’t read expiry dates or fine print

  • Doesn’t trust unfamiliar apps or complex tech

  • Wants something simple and purpose-built

Needs

  • Device with straightforward function and minimal steps

  • Audible confirmation with volume control

  • Trustworthy, no-frills interface

“I like being independent—I just need the tools to help me stay that way.”

Background
Lost vision in his early 30s due to glaucoma. Lives independently and uses a white cane and screen reader daily. Regularly does grocery shopping at familiar stores but relies on store staff for details.

Goals

  • Shop independently without relying on help

  • Clearly identify products, especially food and medication

  • Feel confident in making safe choices

Pain Points

  • Difficulty identifying product information like expiry dates

  • Needs to check for allergens due to his son’s food allergy

  • Frustrated when labels are unreadable or inconsistent

Needs

  • A device that can quickly and clearly read out product details

  • Easy, intuitive operation without a screen

  • Reliable audio output in noisy environments

45, Fully Blind

SCENARIO & CONCEPT

WHAT INFORMATION DOES

A BARCODE HOLD?

  • Product Identification

  • Pricing Information

  • Product Description

  • Expiration Date

  • Inventory Details

  • Country of Origin

  • Additional Data

FUNCTIONS

  • Employs barcode scanning to output key product information via audio—such as expiry and allergen data.

  • Connected to a smartphone,

    the scanner delivers spoken product information through the phone.

  • Magnifier

  • Magnetic : Put on the fridge, wall and etc

PORTABLE

  • Handy

  • Put in the pocket / bag

  • Able to grabbing or clipping depends on the situation

Braille Detail

Meaning : Scanner