Software Interfaces and Usability

HearMe – Touch-Based Auditory App for Visually Impaired People

The mobile app HearMe was specially designed for visually impaired people. Just like other users write down notes or take photos, visually impaired people keep daily memo recordings as their important notes. Against the background that most common recording devices or mobile apps offered have limitations and are of little use to the visually impaired, HearMe was exactly tailored to their specific needs. This recording app boasts high-quality audio and efficient utility, offering users a clear touch-based navigation and simplified interaction. It is operated by simple gestures that are assisted by audio and vibration prompts. Alongside this user-friendly mode of interaction, HearMe delivers a pleasant communication experience as well as other interactive features such as Instant Record, Quick Listening, Friendly Sharing and Place Awareness. These highly differentiated ways to communicate enable better connections to others and to the world.

Statement by the Jury

Based on a reinterpreted approach to design, this mobile application offers new possibilities of interaction for visually impaired people. It is operated intuitively via simple gestures and trigger vibrations, and convinces with its high-quality recording. The interface follows a logical arrangement and boasts various features that allow users to customise it according to individual needs and different situations in daily life.

Red Dot: Best of the Best

Credits

Design:

Yi-Tsen (Diona) Lin, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei
UX Research:

Yi-Tsen (Diona) Lin, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei Yi-Hsuan Tsai, National Chengchi University, Taipei
Application Development:

Yi-Hsuan Tsai, National Chengchi University, Taipei
Creative Direction/Management:

Hsien-Hui Tang, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei
Computer Science Direction:

Neng-Hao Yu, National Chengchi University, Taipei