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Exhibit Design Relating to Low Vision and Blindness Summary Report: Research on Effective Use of Tactile Exhibits with Touch Activated Audio Description for the Blind and Low Vision Audience

The Research

Phase I research was designed to collect data on the communication effectiveness of three different forms of tactile objects in the context of an exhibit program at an aquarium. Specifically, which form of tactile fish representation: raised line drawing; bas-relief; or full round representation is the most effective in communicating exhibit information related to form and shape?

Phase II research was designed to develop data on the effectiveness of using textures on tactile models of fish to communicate patterns of color. For this experiment, three general patterns of fish coloration were identified: spots, stripes and countershading. Each of these general patterns of fish coloration was further broken down into more specific patterns that related to how fish might use colors to adapt to their environment. Specifically, can textures be used in conjunction with physical form (Phase I) to communicate complex exhibit information about fish and the environment in which they live?

The primary objective of these first two phases was to gather and develop statistical evidence to support the development of design guidelines that will define the various physical and three-dimensional aspects of a tactile exhibit to make it useful to the blind or low vision audience as an interpretive tool. In addition, these two phases helped define a “user-fit” methodology that is useful in the design and development of effective tactile exhibits.

The third and final phase of the project proposed that a small talking tactile exhibit be designed, fabricated and installed at the participating aquarium to demonstrate the results of the research and allow us to perform field initiated data gathering to test and quantify the effectiveness of the touch sensitive “hyper-artifacts” in a public setting.

The testing for Phase I & II took place at The Governor Morehead School for the Blind and the Alliance for Disability Advocates- Center for Independent Living in Raleigh, North Carolina. The models of fish used in the testing were designed and fabricated by RAF Models, Inc. Four individual testing administrators conducted the testing that took place in a small classroom or a conference room environment. One test administrator would give the test to a single participant at a time. Generally there was an assistant present to help manage the testing materials but they did not speak to the participant other than to be introduced.

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