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Simulator • Vision

Vision Impairment Simulation Glasses

simulate six common eye conditions – Macular Degeneration, Cataract, Glaucoma, Unilateral Retinal Detachment, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Retinitis Pigmentosa. Each pair of glasses provides a unique perspective, simulating the visual impairments associated with the respective eye disease.

What disability or impairment does this simulate?

This kit has been specially designed to assist your design process in developing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with various eye diseases. By simulating six common eye conditions – Macular Degeneration, Cataract, Glaucoma, Unilateral Retinal Detachment, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Retinitis Pigmentosa – these glasses aim to enhance your empathetic abilities and guide you towards creating inclusive and thoughtful design solutions. Each pair of glasses provides a unique perspective, simulating the visual impairments associated with the respective eye disease. By wearing these glasses and experiencing the world through different lenses, you will gain valuable insights to inform your design process, fostering creativity, empathy, and, ultimately, the creation of more accessible and inclusive designs.

Macular degeneration:

Macular degeneration is a progressive deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
It is the leading cause of vision loss among older adults.

Cataract:

Cataract refers to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision.
Aging, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing cataracts.

Glaucoma:

Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye.
It is often asymptomatic in the early stages, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection and treatment.

Unilateral retinal detachment:

Unilateral retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue on one side of the eye.
It can be caused by trauma to the eye, previous eye surgeries, or underlying conditions such as nearsightedness.

Diabetic retinopathy:

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina, impairing vision.
Strict management of blood sugar levels and regular eye screenings can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy.

Retinitis pigmentosa:

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the retina.
It usually begins with night blindness and tunnel vision and can lead to complete blindness in severe cases.

How to put it on?

Select the glasses that represent the eye disease you want to simulate and put them on, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

Take a moment to adjust to the visual changes caused by the glasses. Pay attention to any blurriness, loss of peripheral vision, or other effects specific to the simulated eye disease.

Engage in various activities while wearing the glasses to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with the respective eye disease. Try reading, navigating through spaces, using electronic devices, or performing any design-related tasks. See section 4. Suggested Exercises or Scenarios.

Take note of your observations, emotions, and insights regarding the impact of the simulated eye disease on your daily activities and interactions.

After experiencing one eye disease, remove the glasses and repeat the process with another pair to explore different visual impairments.

Remember, the goal is to enhance empathy and inform your design process. By experiencing these simulated eye diseases firsthand, you can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments and create more inclusive and thoughtful designs.

How to embrace and avoid?

DOs

DO take the time to read and understand the information provided about each eye disease and its corresponding glasses.

DO ensure that the glasses are properly fitted and adjusted for a secure and comfortable fit.

DO engage in various activities to experience the visual challenges associated with each eye disease.

DO share your experiences and insights with others, fostering discussions and empathy.

DO use the glasses as a tool to inform your design process and develop inclusive design solutions.

DON'Ts

DON’T engage in activities that require precise vision, such as driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that may pose a risk to your safety or the safety of others.

DON’T use the glasses as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have concerns about your own visual health or the visual health of others, consult a qualified eye care professional.

DON’T misuse the glasses or engage in any activities that may cause damage to the glasses

DON’T assume that the simulated experience fully replicates the actual visual impairments of individuals with the respective eye diseases. Remember that the glasses provide a general representation and may not capture the full extent of visual challenges.

How to build empathy with the users?

Put on the glasses that simulate Macular Degeneration and imagine going grocery shopping. How would you navigate the aisles, read labels, and find specific products? Now, think about how you could create a more accessible and user-friendly grocery shopping experience for individuals with visual impairments.

With the Cataract simulation glasses on, try using your smartphone or tablet to send a text message or browse social media. How does the blurred vision affect your ability to read and interact with the screen? Now, put your creative hat on and brainstorm innovative ways to make mobile devices more inclusive and user-friendly for people with vision impairments.

Wear the Glaucoma simulation glasses and imagine walking through a busy city street and or navigating a public transport system. Observe how the reduced peripheral vision impacts your awareness of your surroundings. How could you design urban environments or develop navigation systems that cater to the needs of individuals with limited peripheral vision?

Experience the Unilateral Retinal Detachment glasses and try completing any type of tangible puzzle or digital video game. Notice how the loss of depth perception affects your ability to perform. Now, let your imagination run wild and come up with novel designs for assistive devices or technologies that can aid individuals with depth perception impairments.

Put on the Diabetic Retinopathy simulation glasses and attempt to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. How does the reduced contrast sensitivity and vision clarity impact your ability to make choices? Think about how you could reimagine restaurant menus or create alternative dining experiences that cater to the needs of people with visual impairments.

Experience the visual challenges of Retinitis Pigmentosa by wearing the simulation glasses and using the washroom. Try to perform basic tasks like distinguishing between the hot or cold tap, finding the hand soap dispenser, brushing your teeth, and brushing your hair. Notice the tunnel vision effect and limited visibility. Now, put your design thinking cap on and envision innovative lighting solutions or systems for the bathroom that can enhance the mobility and independence of individuals with tunnel vision.

Discuss your experiences and observations with others, share insights, and brainstorm design solutions that can address the needs of individuals with visual impairments.

Remember, these exercises and scenarios are meant to spark your creativity and inspire you to think outside the box. Use the Vision Impairment Simulation Glasses as a tool to empathise with individuals facing visual challenges and let your innovative design solutions make a positive impact on their lives.

Designing for intersectionality by combining empathy tools

As design students, it is essential to recognise that the individuals we are designing for may often have more than one impairment or condition. While the simulators provided in this manual offer valuable insights into specific aspects of the user’s experience, it is important to remember that real-life situations can be complex and multifaceted.

To deepen your empathetic design methods and create more inclusive, innovative and original solutions, we encourage you to consider using a combination of empathy tools together. By combining simulators, such as using the Vision Impairment Simulation Glasses along with Aged Simulation Suit, Wheelchair or White Cane, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with multiple impairments or conditions.

By embracing this holistic approach, you will be better equipped to develop designs that address the diverse needs and experiences of your target users. Remember, empathy is at the core of meaningful design, and by continually expanding your understanding and perspectives, you can create truly inclusive and impactful solutions.

Have you thought about using this simulator along with:

Wheelchair

Aged Simulation Suit

White Cane

These are just some suggestions; you can get creative and try to create any combination of empathy simulators, including your own DIY simulators.

Warning:

The Vision Impairment Simulation Glasses are for educational and empathetic purposes only. While they simulate various eye diseases, they may not fully replicate the exact visual experience of individuals with these conditions. Exercise caution while wearing the glasses to prevent accidents or injuries. Avoid operating machinery, driving vehicles, or engaging in activities requiring precise vision.

Disclaimer:

The use of empathy tools does not equal the full experiences of having a disability. It is best to aim to engage with your target audience, using the tools to prepare better. The Visual Impairment Simulation Glasses and Empathy Tools Manuals are not substitutes for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Consult a qualified professional regarding diagnosis concerns. Use the tool responsibly, acknowledging its limitations and potential risks. The School of Design, the Material Resource Centre, and the creators of this simulator and manual are not liable for any injuries, damages, or misuse of the simulator. 

Citation:

If you wish to cite this empathy tools manual, you may insert the reference as follows:

Maximo, T; O’Brien, M; Chan, L.S.; Liu, X.; Zhan, W; Lee, W.K.A. (2024). Empathy Tool Manual: Vision Impairment Simulation Glasses. School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

PDF manual:

Click here to download the pdf. file (2.9MB)