Tactile graphic

Images can be made accessible to the visually impaired in various ways, such as verbal description, sound, or haptic (tactual) feedback.

This tactile map is produced by simply attaching objects to a substrate to represent different items or symbols.

Thermoform maps or plans are created from a process where a sheet of plastic is heated and vacuumed on top of a model or master.

Placing black ink on the paper prior to a heat process provides control over the raised surface areas.

[2] The substrate for tactile maps is a very important attribute, since different materials can enhance or reduce legibility and durability.

Although researchers have not standardized tactile map variables, these nine are usually included depending on the substrate: vibration, flutter, pressure, temperature, size, shape, texture/grain, orientation, and elevation.

A (2009) study conducted by Sandra Jehoel tested various height levels and estimated that preferred tactile elevations fall between 40 and 80 micrometres depending on the substrate background, shape of the object and smoothness of lines.

Symbols such as a triangle, square and a circle should have a minimum base line length of 6.4, 5.0 and 5.5 mm respectively for proper recognition.

Electronic tactile talking touch pad instruments use Macromedia Flash software with audio files to convey information to the blind or visually impaired user.

[6] A great deal of hardware already exists that can be used by the blind or visually impaired to interact with computer screen graphics.