Tact-Aid

a tactile 3D-printed plaque system designed to empower visually impaired climbers to climb independently. each plaque represents a climbing wall route using raised tactile elements that climbers can feel before and during their climb.

the problem

visually impaired climbers have no way to independently understand a climbing route's layout before attempting it. they rely entirely on verbal guidance from sighted partners, limiting their autonomy and confidence on the wall.

the solution

tact-aid uses 3D-printed plaques at just $1.73 per unit that attach to the base of climbing walls. each plaque maps out the holds on a route using distinct raised shapes for different hold types, allowing climbers to plan their approach by touch.

tools used

• Blender - 3D modeling and visualization of plaque designs
• Onshape - CAD design for precise plaque dimensions and hold representations
• Photoshop - graphic design for presentations and documentation

awards

• 1st place overall
• People's Choice Design Award
• competing against 120 teams and 700+ participants

Built With

• 3d-printing
• blender
• onshape
• photoshop