Twenty-three year-old designer Takumi Yoshida has come up with a phone design that serves the needs of the visually impaired. The “SENS” phone (written SÉNS) features a unique keyboard scheme where all of the keys are slightly different to the touch from one another, making the keys easily recognisable, and allowing the user to know where they are on the keyboard at all times. The waves and contours central to the recognition concept also make for compelling visually engaging design.
Users can also hover above and across keys, even touch them without actually activating them until they actually wish to do so – again letting them know where they are at all times; and avoiding unnecessary errors. They also receive real-time audio feedback which only they – and not those close to them – can hear via a bluetooth device, confirming all input commands and operations.
Keys are also programmed to perform toggling input functions according to the frequency of clicks on each button, which means they can be set up as pre-sets for dialling and even internet site pre-sets.
The phone is also brightly yet tastefully illuminated on the side, and can be set to display certain basic function-modes like low-battery warning, incoming calls and waiting messages.
