Different Approaches on
Illustrative Description
For Visually Impaired Learners
Tactile Graphics are images to
be read by TOUCH
Concept, Challenges and
Components
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Basic Concepts
Orientation to the environment
Far, near, next to, beside, above, below
Overlapping, crossing, intersecting
Perpendicular, parallel
Concepts, Challenges and Components
The concept and content of the graphic are
represented by a set of tactile symbols selected to
be easily read and understood.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Describing Images is not a straight reproduction of
the print graphic, or a tactile “photocopy” of the
original. (3 – D, x)
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Describe only what you see
physical appearances
actions rather than emotions or
possible intentions
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Don’t interpret or analyzed the image/s. Allow
readers to form their own opinions. DO NOT answer
the question.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Graphics reading skills must be developed for a
reader to be literate.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Describers are faced with different kinds of
challenges and questions because creating a
description differs greatly depending on the
type of image.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Visual vs. Tactual Perception
Visual: Instant Overview
All parts of an object are observed.
The relationship to other object is noticed.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Visual vs. Tactual Perception
Tactual: Sequential Observation
One part of an object can be felt at a time.
Entire image has to be built up out of the components.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Style
Language/Dialect
Formatting
Layout
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Tactile graphics are composed of the following
components:
Areas
Lines
Points
Braille labels
Arrows
Measurement
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Areas
Represent regions with specific significance, e.g.
nations, states
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Lines
Thin dashed lines is easier to follow than
solid line
Irregular shapes, e.g. zigzag, dash-dot-dash,
double track are more difficult to follow.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Points
Easiest to recognize: square, triangle, circle
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Points
Most difficult to identify: cross and star
Minimum size of a point symbol should be ¼ inch (7
mm) or greater
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Points
Symbols are easiest to read on an untextured
background or a fine dotted background.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Braille labels
Labels should be horizontal, except for
orientation and mobility maps.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Arrows – most easily read when:
Closed triangle (solid or hollow) as
arrowhead.
Solid line rather than dotted as shaft.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Measurement
Line used for measurement should be different from
the structure or shape to be measured
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Large Print
Font – Tiresias LPFont (Specifically for low vision)
Font size – 16, 18, 24, 32, 36 Bold
Paper – letter, A4, 11 x 17
Concepts, Challenges and Components
The Tiresias LPFont is a large print typeface specifically
designed for people with low vision. Large print
publications should be designed to specifically help with
reading problems, and should not just be an enlarged version
of the ordinary print.
Concepts, Challenges and Components
Audio
Script
ePub, Daisy, MP3, MP2
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Design Principles
Preserve the original purpose.
Keep the user in mind: age, grade, level, experience with tactile, etc.
Design specifically for reading by the fingertips, not eyes.
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Design Principles
Omit “eye candy”, avoid clutter.
Make necessary simplification and modification.
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Design Principles
Present tactile graphics with written supporting
information, i.e. key, labels, transcriber’s note, etc.
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Planning and Graphic
Use tactile symbols consistently throughout a
transcription.
Limit the number of different tactile symbols used
on one graphic.
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Tactile Symbols
Sizing and Spacing:
Kinder, Grade I and 2 – double spacing
Grade III – single spacing
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Keys/legends – when there is not
enough room for labels
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Keys
Tactile keys and braille keys
placed before the graphic
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Size and Layout
Consider the available space within the size of the page.
A template of a page – full braille cell (40 cells by 25 rows) can be
helpful in planning the layout.
Do we have to use the full page?
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Resizing
A print diagram is often enlarged to provide clarity.
Only as much as is needed to convey information; large areas of
empty space may not be desirable.
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Simplification
Omit unnecessary information and decorative details.
Replace complex objects with simple shapes.
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Simplification
Replace 3-D view with a 2-D side or front view or a cross
section when depth is not required.
Do not over-simplify; it may obscure the purpose
Decision and Planning on Illustrative Images
Important things to remember
“Noisy” Tactile Graphics – too much texture, too much features,
too open space create tactual “noise”
Prominent texture – louder voice
Simplicity is the key to understand an illustration.
“ The only thing worse than
being blind is having sight but no
vision.”
Thank you!!!
