Beyond visual conventions: Rethinking the design of tactile diagrams.

Thompson, L. J. and Chronicle, E. P. (2006) Beyond visual conventions: Rethinking the design of tactile diagrams. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 24 (2). pp. 76-82. ISSN 0264-6196

Abstract

This article reviews the debate over the comprehension of two-dimensional microcapsule tactile pictures portraying three-dimensional information through the use of perspective and visual drawing conventions. It is proposed that three-dimensional haptic object recognition and its relationship to visual object recognition can inform the design of two-dimensional tactual displays. Experimental work is discussed which validates the use of such information in informing the design of 2-D tactile pictures.