Resources New – Updated on all pages

TOUCHTREE RESOURCES

On this page:

  1. Commission
  2. Materials
  3. Publications
  4. Apps & Software

 

COMMISSION

Database to help you find local maker resources

Open World: 20 Databases to Help You Find Local Maker Resources.
By Liam Grace-Flood
A step-by-step tutorial for creating effective tactile Graphics.
https://makezine.com/article/workshop/open-world-20-databases-help-find-local-maker-resources/

 


 

MATERIALS

Guide on some most commonly used materials for creating tactile experiences

 

1. 3D Printing

3D printing utilizes additive manufacturing techniques to create physical objects from digital designs, employing a diverse range of materials including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites to produce objects with varying properties and applications.

Commonly Used Materials: Plastic, Resin, Metal, Ceramic, Plaster, etc.

Guide to 3D Printing Materials: Types, Applications, and Properties
https://formlabs.com/blog/3d-printing-materials/

Find the Right Material for Your Application
https://formlabs.com/materials/

 

2. Thermoforming

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes pliable, then forming it over a mold and cooling it to create a final product with the desired shape and dimensions.

Material: Plastic (ABS, PP, PMMA, PVC, PET, LDPE, etc.)

Guide to Thermoforming
https://formlabs.com/blog/thermoforming/

 

3. Swell Form Printing

The Swell Form Graphics Machine (often referred to as a fuser), is a simple, fast, and low-cost method of creating stunning tactile maps, diagrams, text, and graphics. This machine has revolutionized the process of creating tactile images for the visually impaired.

Material: Swell Form Paper (A heat-sensitive paper that contains chemical ingredients that swell up to form a raised texture).

American Thermoform
https://americanthermoform.com/ 

Swell Form Graphics Machine by American Thermoform
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJVm1Q8F_9M 

 

4. Digital Embroidery

Digital embroidery is a process where computer-controlled machines stitch intricate designs onto fabric using specialized software to create detailed and precise patterns, often used in textile decoration and customization.

Material: Polyester Thread, Fabrics.

Prioritizing Aesthetic Touch: Interpreting Historical Textiles with Digital Embroidery
https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3597638.3614477

 

5. Cricut

Cricut is a brand of electronic cutting machines that use precision blades to cut various materials, offering users versatile crafting capabilities for projects ranging from vinyl decals to intricate paper designs.

Material: Fabrics, Felt, Foil, Iron-on, Leather, Paper, Vinyl, etc.

Cricut Website
https://cricut.com/en-us/ 

Adapting materials using the Circuit Maker and APH products
https://www.perkins.org/resource/adapting-materials-using-the-circuit-maker-and-aph-products/ 

Creating Tactile Graphics & Other Adapted Materials Using the Cricut 
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/creating-tactile-graphics-other-adapted-materials-using-the-cricut/

 

PUBLICATIONS

List of some useful publications to create tactile graphics

Tactile Graphics (1992) 
By Polly Edman
An easy-to-read encyclopedic handbook on translating visual information into a three-dimensional form that blind and visually impaired persons can understand.
https://archive.org/details/tactilegraphics15poll/mode/2up

 
Understanding Accessible Interpretation through Touch Object Practices in Museums.
By Lauren Race, Sarah D’Souza, Rosanna Flouty, Tom Igoe, Amy Hurst
A research paper advocates for utilizing digital fabrication, and establishing design guidelines to enhance accessibility in museums and other educational settings.
https://cgscholar.com/bookstore/works/understanding-accessible-interpretation-through-touch-object-practices-in-museums 

 
Touch Points: Co-Designing Tactile Exhibition Elements with User/Experts
By Baldioli, Shannon; Edson, Shauna; Grady, Ashley; Matos, Nefertiti
From this case study, the authors present recommendations for how museum educators might implement co-design with users/experts.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10598650.2022.2071544 

Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics
By The Braille Authority of North America
https://www.brailleauthority.org/tg/web-manual/index.html

Staying in Touch: Addressing Concerns to Allow Tactile Exploration at Museums.
By Cheryl Fogle-Hatch, Ann Cunningham, and Matt Gesualdi
The American Alliance of Museums 
Describes different methods for fabricating tactile graphics with various materials and includes information about costs.  
https://www.aam-us.org/2020/07/01/staying-in-touch-addressing-concerns-to-allow-tactile-exploration-at-museums/

How to Create an Effective Tactile Graphic
By Meryl Evans
A step-by-step tutorial for creating effective tactile Graphics.
https://equalentry.com/create-tactile-graphics/

Making History Accessible 

Decision Tree
By Tactile Graphics Website
A diagram (PDF) on how to decide to create tactile objects.
http://tactilegraphics.org/DECISION-TREE.pdf


 

APPS/SOFTWARE

List of apps and softwares that assist in making a tactile graphic.