Usability Study: Overbrook School for the Blind.
The Overbrook School for the Blind is located on a large campus in Philadelphia, PA. The school is committed to “develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.” The school includes a main building with classrooms, offices, an auditorium, a library and a touch and learn center. Two separate buildings house programs for pre-school children and elementary age students. The Nevil Field House contains a gymnasium, indoor track, physical fitness room, and bowling alleys. Behind the Nevil Field House is a track and baseball field and putting area for playing golf. Pathways and sidewalks connect buildings and parking areas on campus. Two recently renovated dormitories are provided as housing for the residential students. A playground area is situated right of Main Building between Kappen Aquatic Center and Nevil Center.
Multi-Sensory Model Overview:
The Overbrook School for the Blind Multi-sensory Touch Model is an interactive device which helps visitors, student and staff familiarize themselves with the campus. The model is portable and can be moved easily from one location to the next. The model is composed on three distinct parts: 1) the model/map area on the left hand side, 2) a screen for text display on the top right hand corner, and 3) a swipe area directory on the lower right hand corner. Meant as self-learning tool, almost any person can comfortably operate it. The model responds in a variety of ways with user interaction. Users can touch/tap on any part of the model and it will respond with audio information specific to the location that was touched. A slider/swipe feature provides access to a building directory. With a swipe to right or left, each building is spoken out loud. When a building name is stopped at, users can then touch and drag their finger along the map area to hear a pitch. The pitch will either get louder or quieter as they continue move their finger closer or farther from the selected building. 3) Low vision and sighted individuals can turn off the volume and use the text display if desired. All of the different identifiable buildings with names and complexes with each building are touch sensitive. Landscape features including a track and field, baseball field and golf area, along with the playground which are identified when touched as well. Roads, sidewalks, pathways, fences and parking areas are touch sensitive. The model will be located on the right hand side of the entry way, just after the security desk and before the rotunda of the Main Building.
