Toucher: acessório para orientação e prática da natação

Abstract

This paper presents a research and development project about a product designated for swimming practice. The final result is a tactile interface accessory that embraces functions which contemplate beginners and professional users; a wide audience that also includes blind swimmers, who were the primary inspiration for the project to happen. For those, the product offers an orientation function, as it warns the user through its’ tactile interface about the physical boundaries of the pool. This function helps on preventing impact accidents and also any inhibition caused by the possibility of accidents. The product is not only for the blind, though; it can also be used by swimmers who have normal vision, either beginners or professionals, thanks to the product’s educational possibilities of use.