Bonocle device: design for inclusivity

Design of Bonocle, a phygital device that makes digital content accessible for the visually impaired. This innovative and ergonomically designed product functions as an infinite Braille line display, offering a portable, powerful, and affordable solution. Notably, this inclusive device promotes Braille literacy and ensures that the blind community has better access to quality education, employment opportunities, and greater independence. As a result of this groundbreaking and ambitious project, the Qatar-based startup secured $1M in funding in 2022. Furthermore, Bonocle won the prestigious K Design Award 2023 and the Gold Prize at the IDA Design Award 2023 in the Industrial & Life Science Design / Inclusive & Equity Social Products category. Acting as industrial design partners, we supported the startup by focusing on product design and ergonomics, as well as engineering and design for manufacturing. Additionally, we curated the accessible and inclusive design of the packaging, ensuring a consistent user-centric approach.

The device is perfectly symmetrical and balanced to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed users. Its shape has been carefully crafted to ensure comfort for a wide range of consumers, allowing it to be used seamlessly on a surface or in the air. Moreover, Bonocle maximizes its hardware potential through custom Apps tailored for users to work, learn, or play. Users are further guided by tactile and auditory feedback, including the refreshable Braille cell, haptic motors, and a screen reader/voiceover system. Additionally, they can interact with multimedia content through buttons, motion gestures, and speech input, providing an intuitive experience. Finally, the packaging design aligns with the accessibility principles, reinforcing the product’s commitment to inclusivity at every stage of the user journey.