Team
- Tyler Cagle - ME - Physical design and finish
- Peter Wang - CS - App and Platform development
- Ali Almarhoon - EE - Analog circuit design
- Dylan Griffin - EE - FW and PCB design
- Milan Formanek - ECE - FW and PCB design
Problem Statement
The modern smartphone is taking over our daily lives. Current usage statistics show that 77% of all Americans own a smartphone of some kind. Modern devices are losing their tactile feel in favour of larger screens. Phones are all turning into little glass paneled slabs with the screen taking up the entire front of the device. This forces the users to give up even the front facing tactile buttons. This in combination with the narrowing bezels around the screen makes it difficult for users to get a good grip without accidentally triggering the touch screen or losing grip on the phone itself. This is only a slight inconvenience to most users, but people with disabilities really struggle. As of now the vision and motorically impaired rely mostly on voice over and voice activated features that do not work reliably for users in loud environments or for people with heavy accents.
Product Solution
Previously, the speed at which information could be transferred between the user and the device was limited by the speed of their thumbs. Taktil helps people interact with their phones in a more natural way. After wirelessly pairing the device and attaching it to the back of their phone the user can perform gestures on the touch surface of the device in order to control their phone. The texture of the surface of the touchpad also changes providing tactile feedback. This allows for users to interact with their phones without breaking focus, whether that is directed at their screen or something else.
Target Demographic
Taktil aims to help those that struggle using their mobile devices the most. This means users that have problems seeing the screen, are motorically impaired, or simply have hands too small to comfortably interact with their phones.
Product Capabilities
Taktil offers advantages to users of all ages and levels of ability with technology. Users that have disabilities such as Parkinson’s, or are visually impaired can use taktil to navigate their mobile device with greater ease. In addition all users can experience use of their mobile device with greater speed and added physical feedback. Taktil will also have the ability to be removed from the back of the mobile device and be used as a standalone touchpad.