Her Voice Guided Me
A collection of books that tell the story of how two students taught each other to see differently.
Book Design, User Research, Graphic Design, Prototyping / Aug 2015 - April 2016 / Visit the University of Michigan's Special Collections Library to experience two of my artists books and read about my thinking behind the project at the Stamps School of Art & Design's website.
Challenges
How might I, a visual designer, experience a new way of seeing?
How might designers collaborate with visually impaired students to improve everyone’s experience of the world?
I received a Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Michigan Council for Disability Concerns for my work on this project
Printed text with painted textural Braille on top
Early Prototypes
I met and worked with my visually impaired student partner India who was a student at a local school. Together and apart, I worked through several experimental design exercises to see what creative techniques were interesting to us.
We experimented with different textures of paper, drawing, colors, and tactile exercises, like practicing braille with egg cartons.
Starting the Design
-
![]()
Thumbnail sketches
Thumbnail sketches for my book that work out where the braille will be (blue highlighter) in relation to my printed text and visual design
-
![]()
Paper prototype
An early paper prototype of my book where I figured out the layout of the text and imagery
-
![]()
Book shape sketches
Concepts for the project’s final form
-
![]()
Early book prototype
An early prototype of a clamshell box and book to practice book making and test the proportions of the product
-
![]()
Sketches for India's books
Sketches that worked out how India’s books would live together
-
![]()
India's books in progress
My construction in progress of the box that would hold four of India’s books
-
![]()
My reflections
Half way through the project I started writing a journal of my reflections on what I was learning by working with India. I printed them out and played with designing them and they ultimately became part of the final product
The Solution
I collaborated with my student partner to help each other see differently.
My student partner India and I created two books together, in standard type and braille: the first, My Blind Adventure, is a four-part autobiography that tells the story of this inspiring student, the second, see clearly from a distance, colors, is a collection of valuable perspectives I gained through this collaboration.
Challenge 1
Book of my experiences
The journey of working with India was so valuable and taught me that designing with different abilities in mind results in a better experience for everyone.
I wrote (in print and braille), designed, and bound this book. I design and printed each book page, set the braille around the printed text using a brailler, then assembled the book.
Concertina fold cased in a clamshell box
Challenge 2
Book of India’s experiences
India wanted to share her life experiences in a tactile yet illustrative way to explain the events that made her the strong person she is today.
India wrote (in print and braille) and illustrated her story. I designed and bound the books. I designed and printed each book page, set the braille around the printed text using a brailler, then assembled the books.
We created four books set in text and braille. They are different textures and sizes to help distinguish them and add a sensory experience that describes her story.
Drum leaf binding with flip top drop spine box
India and I presenting our books at the gallery opening
Takeaways
What I learned
I learned that by empathizing with someone with different abilities from my own I can gain meaningful friendships, new skills, and exciting design concepts that enrich everyone’s experience of the world.
Next steps
Continue collaborating with and learning from people with different abilities from mine
Continue pushing the limits of my design skills by thinking outside of the methods I already understand
I received a Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Michigan Council for Disability Concerns for my work on this project.
Visit the University of Michigan's Special Collections Library to experience the project. Read about my thinking behind the project at the Stamps School of Art & Design's website.