hear and see
Binoculars for people with hearing impairment
Birdwatching relies on both sight and sound, but locating birds by sound is challenging for those with hearing impairments. This project’s design enhances auditory clarity, making it easier to locate and observe birds.
Main goal
These binoculars amplify bird sounds using listening funnels, a microphone, and a Bluetooth transmitter, sending audio to headphones or hearing aids. Fully disassemblable, they prioritize sustainability and easy repairs.
Achievements
This project deepened my understanding of inclusive design and the production of binoculars during a visit to Swarovski Optic in Austria. I also expanded my knowledge of sustainable materials and improved skills in Rhino 3D and Keyshot.
Personal gains
My design process draws from anthropology, focusing on historical hearing funnels once used as early hearing aids. I incorporated this mechanism into my design to enhance its functionality.
Inspiration
I 3D-printed hearing funnel mockups to test their functionality and integration into my design. This process provided insights into necessary digital components to enhance the product’s performance and purpose.
Testing phase
Design for disassembling
The binoculars have two main parts: hearing funnels that transmit sound via Bluetooth to hearing aids or headphones, and a viewing tube with dual lenses for clear, bright binocular vision.
The binoculars are designed for sustainability, focusing on decomposability, repairability, and natural materials. Components are easy to disassemble, with minimal materials to ensure efficient recycling at the end of their life cycle.
Form finding
The binoculars are designed to look modern and exciting, making them stand out from traditional designs. Many assistive tools focus only on function, so I wanted these binoculars to feel fun and interesting while still being practical and recognizable as binoculars.
Construction
This semester project was a collaboration with Swarovski Optic, where we visited their manufacturing site to learn about binocular production. We tested their products, discussed ideas with engineers, and presented our work to the Swarovski Optic board at their headquarters.
