An Evaluation of Substrates for Tactile Maps and Diagrams: Scanning Speed and Users’ Preferences

This study evaluated the relative suitability of a range of base materials for producing tactile maps and diagrams via a new ink-jet process. The visually impaired and sighted participants tactilely scanned arrays of symbols that were printed on seven substrate materials, including paper, plastic, and aluminum. In general, the rougher substrates were scanned faster than the smoother substrates, and the majority of participants preferred the rougher substrates over the smoother ones.