My Role
User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Human Factors, User Testing, After Effects
Team
Solo Project | Thesis Project
Timeline
Sept-May 2024 (9 Months) | Thesis Select Award
Tools
Figma, FigJam, After Effects, Blender, Keyshot, Arduino, Coding, 3D Printing
Project Overview
Wall climbing is a challenging and rewarding activity that promotes physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and a sense of achievement. However, visually impaired individuals often lack the opportunity to participate in this sport due to its inherent visual demands. This project aims to bridge this gap by developing a gamified, multi-sensory climbing experience that uses tactile and auditory cues. Features include textured climbing holds, directional audio guidance, interactive challenges, and a scoring system. By making wall climbing accessible and enjoyable for the visually impaired, we seek to enhance their physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and sense of achievement.
Visually impaired individuals lack the opportunity to experience wall climbing, a rewarding activity. We seek to design a gamified, multi-sensory climbing solution that provides this unique sense of achievement.
Why Blind Individuals
Mobility and Orientation
Depression and Anxiety
Building Trust
Breaking Stereotypes
Understanding Terms
Normal Vision
Color Vision Deficiency
Low Vision
Blind Vision
Human Senses
Touch
Taste
Smell
Hear
Vision
Types of sports played by Blind people
Skiing (with a Guide)
Showdown
Judo
Running
Rowing
Tandem Cycling
Goalball
Wall Climbing
Why Climbing?
Enhanced Spatial Awareness
Sense of Achievement
Breaking Stereotypes
Community and Social Interaction
Field Research
User Statements
“Climbing isn't just about strength; it's more about how you position your body and use smart techniques. People who climb with disabilities don't want to be seen as different; they want to be recognized for their climbing skills.”
“Visually impaired climbing is a remarkable example of trust, communication, and the human spirit's ability to adapt to and overcome challenges. It's a journey of self-exploration and overcoming personal limits. Each climb is a puzzle, a series of challenges.”
“Not just a physical challenge but a mental one, demanding focus, strategy, and emotional control. The ultimate challenge in climbing: navigating the vertical world without sight, relying solely on other senses. Trust and partnership with your climbing partner.”
“Focuses less on endurance and more on explosive power and technique. Emphasizing on the importance of communication for a visually impaired to find the path. A platform for climbers to connect and share experiences.
As a first-time climber, I embarked on a journey to experience rock climbing in two distinct scenarios: with normal vision and while blindfolded.
During the sighted climb, I quickly realized the importance of visual cues. They were crucial for navigating the terrain, selecting holds, and planning movements. This initial climb, though challenging, offered a baseline understanding of the physical and mental demands of the sport.
Deprived of sight, I relied heavily on auditory and tactile feedback. A person on the ground guided me using a clock-face analogy, pivotal in helping me orient myself and make decisions about my movements. This method highlighted the crucial role of effective communication in blindfolded climbing.
We picked four climbers for this participatory workshop. They each had over 15 years of climbing experience and knew the climbing rote at the workshop very well. This was because they had used the site's climbing routes a lot for more than eight months.
“The essential role of touch in blindfolded climbing. The climber had to depend heavily on the sense of touch to locate holds and navigate the route. It may be possible to improve both the speed and confidence of climbers without sight.”
“Climbing blindfolded at a height of 40 feet posed considerable challenges in understanding and following verbal instructions making it harder to interpret and trust the instructions from the ground.”
“This participant struggles to identify the correct holds for hands without visual guidance. Rely on their partners to provide accurate descriptions of the route and holds.”
“Reliance on auditory guidance alone slowed down the climbing process. Need for integrated multi-sensory approaches in training and guiding visually impaired climbers.”
"Visually impaired individuals lack the opportunity to experience wall climbing, a rewarding activity. We seek to design a gamified, multi-sensory climbing solution that provides this unique sense of achievement."
Form Exploration
Pre-Climb Scenario
During Climb Scenario
3D Modeling
Form 1
Form 2
BMO_FUSE
Form 3
I conducted ergonomics testing for each grip to identify the user's pain points.
The climbing hold stresses the thumb and palm, leading to discomfort and potential strain during use.
Hold has a small gap for inserting fingers, which causes discomfort and is slightly painful for the fingertips.
Participants feel relaxed after holding the climbing hold, indicating good hand support and ergonomic design.
I created low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic structure and functionality.
I conducted testing on low-fidelity wireframes to evaluate the basic structure and functionality.
Positive Feedback
The application has a user-friendly interface makes it easy to find nearby climbing gyms and compare them based on ratings.
The buddy pairing feature is a great addition, allowing users to connect with climbing partners before visiting a gym.
Being able to chat and discuss with a matched climbing buddy before the session enhances the overall experience and promotes community engagement.
Constructive Criticism
This makes it so simple to find a climbing gym, such an app should be accessible to everyone not only disabled individuals
Consider adding more detailed information about each climbing gym, such as facilities, types of routes, and amenities offered.
Add a buddy pair profile so that the user gets more confidence in with whom did he match.
I made changes based on the testing feedback to improve the design and functionality.
Before Testing
After Testing
Before Testing
After Testing
I developed the visual design, including the logo, color scheme, and typography.
I created the final high-fidelity screens, incorporating all design elements and feedback.
I completed the final prototyping of my climbing holds and integrated Arduino processing.
3D Printing Holds
Understanding Sensors
Arduino Coding
Sensor Packaging
I conducted final testing in a climbing gym to evaluate the performance and usability.
For more details contact me at msharma@ccsdetroit.edu