An app that turns the smartphone into a communication device for the deafblind.

Braille-based devices, expensive and rare, can only help the deafblind read. But what they sorely needed was a way to communicate with each other, and the rest of the world. And the language had to be tactile.

Since the smartphone became ubiquitous, we wanted to find a way to make it useful to them. Its inherent ability to vibrate coupled with the simplicity of Morse code to represent the alphabet made sense. So we built an app that could ‘intake tactile input’ and ‘transmit it as tactile output’ which can be deciphered by any trained deafblind person.

Technically speaking, the Good Vibes app interprets ‘short tap’ and ‘long press’ as ‘dot’ and ‘dash’ of Morse code, combinations of which make letters and words. It’s the first time in history that the deafblind have a two-way communication tool.

• Implementation

The beta version of Good Vibes app was launched on January 15, 2018 at the ‘National Training for Adult Deafblind’ event in Ahmedabad city, India, organised by Sense International. A group of 60 test-users included the deafblind as well as their caregivers and family members. After collecting feedback from them, we made further improvements to the app and released to the world at large via the Google PlayStore.

• Timeline

Briefing – June 2017

Conceptualisation – July 2017

Design & Prototype Development – August to October 2017

Testing – November 2017

Final Build – December 2017

Beta Launch – January 2018

• Placement

Beta-launch at ‘National Training for Adult Deafblind’ in Ahmedabad city, India. Now also available on Google PlayStore.

• Scale

Over 600000 known deafblind persons around the world. Plus many more of their caregivers and family members.

Currently being used by a limited number of users, the Good Vibes app has the potential to become the communication tool of choice and even a social networking app for the deafblind, their caregivers and family members across the world.