The Tactile Rubik’s Cube for the Blind

Despite the fact that there are people (and robots) out there who can solve a Rubik’s Cube in about 5 seconds, my tiny brain stills need at least 20 minutes to solve one. But imagine if you were blind (or even color blind). How could you solve this classic toy, which relies on matching up its colored faces? Well, here’s how:

rubiks cube for blind

I spotted this image over on Reddit today, but it actually originated from Brian Doom, who created this “accessible” version of the puzzle by adding tactile elements to the outside of the cube back in 2010. The colored sides have been augmented with screws, felt furniture pads, two textures of rubber dots, DYMO labels, and wooden furniture to provide tactile feedback when using the cube.

rubiks cube for blind 2

Of course, he could have just gone with DYMO labels on each side, with different letters to indicate each color – but this looks so much more awesome.


Fujitsu intros RakuRaku accessible smartphone for the elderly

Fujitsu intros RakuRaku accessible smartphone for the elderly

While there are a number of ways to make existing smartphones more accessible for the elderly, there are very few on the market designed specifically with them in mind. There’s devices like the Jitterbug, but they’re not particularly “smart.” Fujitsu’s latest entrant in its RakuRaku line, however, is loaded with friendly features and hardware designed specifically with the elderly in mind — and it runs Android. When it lands in Japan this August it’ll sport a customized UI with large text and oversized virtual buttons. Even the few physical buttons are large and easy to operate for those whose agility may be waning. The screen is even able to distinguish between accidental touches and purposeful taps. To see the device in action check out the video after the break.

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Fujitsu intros RakuRaku accessible smartphone for the elderly originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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