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The Next Generation Brailler

By David Seliger - September 19, 2011

in Object Culture

Back in 2008, the product development branch of the Perkins School for the Blind did a redesign of the Perkins Brailler. The Brailler is a braille typewriter that was originally invented by a group of teachers at Perkins in 1951. This Next Generation Brailler was the first major redesign of the machine in over 50 years.

The original Brailler

Instead of the usual 40+ keys found on a typical typewriter, the Brailler only includes six dot keys (one for each dot in the Braille alphabet), a space key, a backspace key, a line key, and an erase key (the newest addition). The paper feed is specially designed so as not to crush the raised dots in the paper. For a complete history of Braillers, see here.

Refreshable Braille display

I find it interesting that the solution to a rather large social issue is still so analog. Sure, we've seen Braille watches on Kickstarter and then there's the electro-mechanical refreshable Braille display, but no solution has seemed to really catch on and instead we see the reemergence of technology from half a century ago. Meanwhile, the recently-Kickstarted 6Dot Braille labeler might be among the more promising new developments for the blind.

It's also interesting to consider that we're just now entering the world of touch interfaces and computing, yet Braille was pretty much the original in touch communication.

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PDT

13 years ago

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Just wanted to chime in from PDT, the product development consultancy who designed the Next Generation Brailler with Perkins. We can understand how thinking of a mechanical Braille writer is quite analog, but it really still is a very important tool in the classroom. It's the equivalent to using a pencil and paper when learning to write. Perkins wanted to refresh their industry leading tool to boost interest and make Braille more accessible for all. It got great coverage upon launch of the product and we presented a more in depth look at the project at DRC.
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Jeff

13 years ago

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Sounds like they have improved this Brailler quite a bit; I'm going to see if my father (who is blind) has any interest in getting one but he has been utilizing the "Braille & Speak" for a couple years now. Thanks for posting!
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A.S.

13 years ago

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just a thought - 11% of the blind can read braille. And there are a lot of other products for the blind and low vision that could be improved, technologically and aesthetically. Just look at a products site like http://www.maxiaids.com. I mean, someone please make a talking watch that's as sexy as this brailler. I would buy one in each color :)
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