a platform of fun for everyone
In my Product Engineering Process class, I worked on a team of 17 mechanical engineering and computer science students to create tatchi, a gaming platform designed with people who are blind or visually impaired in mind, to provide a tool of social interactions with their friends. Our alpha level prototype uses sound and touch to facilitate a compelling new gameplay experience. I worked on the design and development of the centerpiece. I ensured that the features were intuitive to use independent of sight, that the aesthetics of the centerpiece flowed with the remaining product components, and that all the electronics could be easily and cleanly mounted within the centerpiece. I also lead all 3D printing operations, from the early prototypes of tatchi used in user testing to production of the final alpha prototype.
tatchi; a gaming platform designed with people with visual impairments in mind
three components: centerpiece, tiles, and shields
Early sketches of possible centerpiece design
3D printed prototype, used for user testing and design
CAD of internal electronics, including microcontroller, RFID reader, speakers, and buttons
Each tile contains an RFID chip that stores its value. The centerpiece scans each tile and reads its value aloud
Final 3D printed centerpiece
tachi components inside packaging. The design of each component was carefully chosen to create a cohesive product
