Disclaimer: This is an individual project by 2 Designers named Merve Nur Sökmen & Ayberk Kole
In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an indispensable tool for enhancing accessibility and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These 2 designers took charge and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with their latest development: an AI-powered wearable assistant designed specifically to aid the visually impaired in navigating their surroundings with unprecedented ease and confidence.
Understanding the Need
Navigating through unfamiliar environments can be a daunting challenge for those with visual impairments. Traditional methods such as white canes and guide dogs assist, but they come with limitations. These 2 designers recognized this gap and set out to develop a solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence to provide real-time audio descriptions, revolutionizing the way visually impaired individuals interact with the world around them. At the heart of this Samsung AI-powered wearable assistant is cutting-edge technology that seamlessly integrates with the user’s existing devices. Utilizing advanced computer vision algorithms and deep learning techniques, the device is capable of identifying objects, obstacles, and landmarks in real time, providing users with instant auditory feedback to guide them through their surroundings.
The product was created for the Samsung Re: Create Challenge, a worldwide competition where participants are tasked with coming up with ideas to repurpose Samsung devices or materials to promote sustainability.
Features and Functionality
This Samsung device is designed to seamlessly integrate into the user’s daily life, offering an accessible and connected audio navigation experience in real time. This innovative device incorporates all the features of existing Samsung consumer electronics while being constructed from recycled Samsung devices and materials, contributing to the reduction of electronic waste. Its primary function is to serve as a personal navigation assistant for individuals with visual impairments.
Equipped with an onboard battery and intuitive touch controls, the compact Samsung device enables users to navigate effortlessly on the move. Its convenient clip-on design allows users to attach it to their clothing, providing real-time audio descriptions of the surrounding environment for enhanced navigation and inclusivity. Additionally, users can interact with the device by speaking to it, and its built-in AI capabilities provide helpful information in response, catering to various needs such as those of students and travellers.
This concept offers real-time perception of surroundings and delivers detailed information through audio descriptions, potentially transforming the lives of those currently reliant on others for mobility. To ensure practicality beyond its AI capabilities, designers have aligned its aesthetics with Samsung’s design principles. The device effortlessly syncs with the user’s smartphone and headphones, featuring onboard touch controls for personalized adjustments. When the battery runs low, simply plug it into a USB-C cable to recharge, enabling continued independence for the user.
Via Yanko Design
