Question

Problem Area: Product Design / Interaction Design
In the world of the visually impaired (fully blind), there is a need to equip them with special products that help carry out day-to-day activities with ease. One such product is a pair of scissors, used for cutting liquid pouches, cloth, paper, etc.
Your task is to design a new pair of scissors for the visually impaired. You may use new technologies if needed.
Identify at least five distinct factors essential for designing a pair of scissors for the blind. Write these briefly in the space provided.
Generate at least three concepts through pencil sketches based on the factors identified above. Present these pencil sketches along with brief notes (if necessary) in the space provided. es and notes
Synthesize your final concept and present this through drawing, showing the overall form and its construction details, mentioning the materials, in the space provided.
Evaluation Criteria:
Identification of distinct factors
Novelty of your alternate concepts
Appropriateness of your final solution
Quality of your presentation

Hint:

When designing tools for the fully blind, prioritize multi-sensory feedback—combine tactile textures, safe enclosed mechanisms, and clear auditory/haptic signals to ensure users can operate confidently without sight. Ergonomic comfort and minimal force reduce fatigue, while material guides prevent slips, making the tool truly accessible and safe.

Answer 1

Design Challenge: Scissors for the Visually Impaired (Fully Blind) 
The design challenge is to create a new pair of scissors specifically for the visually impaired, integrating safety and functionality to facilitate daily cutting tasks with ease. The focus is on non-visual sensory feedback and protective design.
Essential Design Factors 
Tactile Safety and Guarding: Fully enclosed blades to prevent accidental injury. 
Haptic/Textural Guidance: Distinct textures or shapes on the handle to indicate correct orientation and alignment. 
Auditory Feedback/Smart Sensing: Sound or technology confirming material positioning or cut completion. 
Ergonomic Comfort and Force Minimization: Easy to grip design requiring minimal hand strength, potentially spring-loaded or powered. 
Material Anchoring/Material-Specific Guides: Non-slip or clamping features to hold material securely during cutting. 
Concept Generation 

Concept 1: ``Clipper'' Safety Shears] Focuses on absolute safety by enclosing the blades in a housing and using a spring-loaded trigger similar to a nail clipper. A loud ``snap'' sound confirms the cut.

Concept 2: ``Guiding Rail'' Scissors] Uses a rigid, C-shaped guard attached to one blade to create a channel for the material, physically preventing finger cuts. Textured handles (round thumb grip, ribbed finger grip) aid orientation. 

[Concept 3: ``Smart Anchor'' Scissors] Incorporates technology with a micro-suction cup near the blade tips to secure slippery materials, activated by a button. A gentle vibration sensor signals safe-to-cut alignment. 

Final Synthesized Concept: SecureCut Guided Shears 
The final design synthesizes safety and intuitive haptic operation with the following features: 
Ergonomic Pistol-Grip Handle: Made from high-density ABS plastic with soft-touch rubber overmold for comfort and secure grip. 
Spring-Loaded Return Mechanism: Keeps blades closed by default, minimizing force and eliminating danger from open blades. 
Enclosed Stainless Steel Cutting Mechanism: Fully housed within a high-impact polycarbonate shell to ensure tactile safety. 
V-Shaped Material Slot: Inner edges lined with textured TPE rubber guides to provide haptic feedback for material alignment. 
Auditory and Haptic Feedback: A low-frequency ‘thunk’ sound and a minor vibration confirm a successful cut. 

This combination results in a tool that is safe, comfortable, and intuitive for visually impaired users, suitable for cutting liquid pouches, cloth, paper, and other materials.