Making 3D Design Accessible: Haptic Feedback for Sight-Impaired Users
Dr. Lisa Bowers and the Open University showcased MakeActive-UK, a VR touch studio for sight-impaired users built around Haply's Inverse3 and the TOIA haptics platform in Unreal Engine. Participants described the force feedback as smooth, responsive, and a visceral way to feel digital 3D objects.
Originally published on haply.co — the canonical version of this article.
A VR touch studio for sight-impaired users
Dr. Lisa Bowers and the Open University are at the forefront of accessible education. In a 2022 study featured during British Science Week, they showcased MakeActive-UK, a VR touch studio for sight-impaired users, featuring Haply’s Inverse3, a highly portable, force-feedback haptic controller.
▶ Watch: British Science Week: Makeactive-UK: a VR touch studio for sight-impaired users
TOIA and soft-body physics
The underlying haptics software used in the study was the TOIA platform in Unreal Engine, known for its high-fidelity soft-body physics capabilities.
Bridging the CAD accessibility gap
For sight-impaired users, traditional computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks presents significant accessibility challenges. The Inverse3 bridges this gap by enabling users to interact with digital 3D modelling software through touch, allowing them to manipulate shapes and textures with precision.
What participants said
Direct quotes from sight-impaired participants in the study:
“I was expecting a feedback device arm, but this felt much more responsive with a larger working area than other haptic devices I’ve tried.”
“The feedback was very positive - it moved smoothly without resistance, unlike other devices that feel like a fight.”
“Feeling an unreal object react to my touch was startling. It’s a visceral, powerful experience.”
Innovation means inclusion
This study is a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t just mean new - it means more inclusive. As haptic technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to open new doors for those who’ve long been shut out of creative digital spaces. At Haply Robotics, we’re proud to be part of that movement.