In part of developing an appropriate space for someone who
may visually impaired it was crucial to understand and at some level experience
what it may be like to be impaired myself. I currently wear prescription
glasses for my near sided condition, but the experiments we had to perform were
a real reality check for some people who are legally blind.
The plastic bag portion was interesting, draping it over my
eyes only allowed for me to see a figure and ground effect. I was not able to
read any of the newspaper and could only make out some of the larger text and
title block areas. As people walked by I could only see a blur of what was
passing by, and as soon a large groups of people started to walk together it
appeared to create a wave like effect.
The simulator tool was interesting as well, I really had no
idea what to expect, the variety in vision impairments really varies and can
all have their own level of challenges. The one effect that really took me by
surprise was the loss of part of the visual field, where there were crack like
portions throughout the whole view.
At last I participated in the petroleum jelly sunglass
activity starting at the bottom of the Holland atrium stairs. This was a
challenge due to the colors used within the space, I say this because as I
began to walk I noticed that the colors began to blend in and since there were
no really variation in colors I was experiencing myself bracing for something
to hold on to. I reached out with my hands as I appeared to be searching for
something to hold on to. I walked very carefully up and down the stairs,
lifting my foot with extra sense of caution and fishing for the right place to
land.
When using the ATM I did notice that the flashing light was
very helpful, I rubbed my hand around the machine and adjusted my senses to the
feel of the options on the machine. I was not be able to see well enough to
ensure that what I was doing was correct on the screen since it was a digital
projection with a low light. The whole experience was very interesting the way
that my senses readjusted was quite fascinating, I definitely have come to get
a better understanding of what It will be like to better develop a more
efficient way of design taking these factors in to consideration. 