Problem: There is the need for an affordable and portable device that can assist blind students in accessing graphical information in real time and plot graphs independently.
Solution: A fully mechanical device mimics a grid to plot histograms. Testing revealed its applications for addition, subtraction and multiplication.
Our journey : turning ideas into high fidelity prototypes
TRACE begun as a class project in Ashesi University and has grown into a nonprofit lab creating technology for African communities. We are building assistive devices and experimental tech tools for visually impaired students and Ghanaian communities.
Our devices are designed, tested and refined with a hands on, human centered approach.
We continue to explore, create and empower using engineering and design to make learning and everyday life more accessible.
Tracer 1.0
01/2023
Ashesi X Akropong School for the Blind
Problem: There is the need for an affordable and portable device that can assist blind students in accessing graphical information in real time and plot graphs independently.
Solution: A fully mechanical device mimics a grid to plot histograms. Testing revealed its applications for addition, subtraction and multiplication.
Tracer 2.0
06/2023
Manufacturing Bootcamp
After receiving funding from Ashesi University, we dedicated our summer to improving the device based on feedback from our key stakeholder, the Akropong School for the Blind.
We made the tracer lighter, enhanced the color contrast to better serve users with varying levels of visual impairment, and began preparing to operate as a business by developing our business model canvas, refining our manufacturing processes, and streamlining logistics.
The Echo
04/2024
TRACE was awarded $20,000 to advance on our innovation. Through expanded research at the other schools for the blind, we reframed the project toward what we felt would best benefit the children
Problem: The children need an engaging and interactive learning experience that leverages active senses to deepen understanding, independence and empower them to take charge of their future.
Solution: A handheld text to audio device with an AI study companion.
The image below is a prototype.
