LensEd

Inspiration

Education today relies heavily on online platforms and resources, and we all spend vast amount of time on screen everyday. Our inspiration for LensEd stemmed from a deep desire to create a more inclusive online environment for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with conditions like Dyslexia. We were inspired by the idea that technology could be harnessed to make web content more accessible, enabling everyone to have an equal opportunity to engage with digital resources.

What it does

LensEd is a Google Chrome extension designed with accessibility in mind. It offers a range of features to enhance the online experience for users with disabilities or visual impairments. Here's what LensEd does:

Customizable Display: LensEd allows users to change the background color, font style, and text color on web pages. This customization enables individuals with Dyslexia or other visual challenges to tailor their browsing experience to their specific needs.

Metaphor API Integration: We integrate Metaphor API to create a powerful search engine within LensEd. Users can search for content or find similar websites effortlessly, enhancing their ability to access relevant information efficiently.

How we built it

LensEd was built with a combination of technologies and tools. The development process involved the following steps:

Conceptualization: We brainstormed and outlined the features and goals of the extension, focusing on accessibility and usability.

Front-End Development: We used HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the user interface and implement the customization features. These elements allow users to adjust the visual aspects of websites.

Metaphor API Integration: To implement the powerful search engine, we integrated the Metaphor API into our extension, enabling seamless content discovery.

Testing and Feedback: We conducted extensive testing with users who have disabilities and collected feedback to refine the user experience and ensure accessibility.

Deployment: Once we were satisfied with the functionality and usability, we deployed LensEd as a Google Chrome extension.

Challenges we ran into

Developing LensEd came with its share of challenges, including:

Accessibility Standards: Ensuring that our extension meets strict accessibility standards is crucial. We need to make sure our color scheme and design provide a seamless experience for users with disabilities.

API Integration: Integrating the Metaphor API was a technically complex task that required extensive documentation reading and testing.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Despite the challenges, we're immensely proud of several accomplishments:

Accessibility Impact: LensEd makes the internet more accessible for individuals with disabilities, leveling the playing field and improving their online experience.

Seamless Search: The integration of the Metaphor API has resulted in a powerful search engine that makes content discovery easier and more efficient.

User-Centric Design: Our extension's user-centric design prioritizes the needs of individuals with disabilities, creating a more inclusive web.

What we learned

Through the development of LensEd, we learned valuable lessons about accessibility, user experience, and the power of technology to create positive change. We gained insights into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in their online interactions and the importance of developing solutions that address these challenges.

What's next for LensEd

Our journey with LensEd is far from over. We have several exciting plans for the future:

Expanded Features: We aim to expand the customization options within LensEd, giving users even more control over their browsing experience. Besides, we are working on adding in more features such as auto scrolling using speech-to-text via Google Cloud API.

Cross-Browser Compatibility: We plan to make LensEd available on multiple browsers to reach a wider audience.

Community Involvement: We want to collaborate with the user community to gather feedback and continually improve LensEd's accessibility and functionality.

Overall, LensEd is an ongoing project with the mission to make the web a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone, and we are excited to continue working towards that goal.