8/27
Hi Andrea:
I was a designer at Smithsonian Exhibits (SIE) until I retired last year. Now I freelance.
SIE sometimes used QR code "tiles" applied to graphic panels as a way to provide access to audio of the text, description of the images, description of the exhibition space, and access to audio tracks in additional languages, or additional information. Visitors read the codes on their own phones or other devices.
The QR codes are output separately in dark ink on a light colored substrate, usually 1/8" thick. The tiles would then be stuck to the panels, wall, reader rail, etc., in a standardized location. For example: with the tiles always in the lower left corner and at a general, uniform reach height visitors will hopefully know where to find the codes. If you go with this approach, I also recommend a panel at the exhibition entrance(s) that tells visitors about using the QR code tiles.
Because the tiles are a raised they are tactile. If they are printed on a light color that contrasts highly with the color of whatever they are applied to, the tiles are easier for sighted and low-ish vision visitors to spot. By being removable they can be replaced relatively inexpensively if the QR code changes or if the tile mysteriously disappears.
Caveat: This is not any kind of official Smithsonian recommendation.
It is just one approach that I am personally familiar with. Whatever approach that you decide to use for providing blind and low vision accessible content should be tested with an appropriate user group before full implemetation. Ideally you could provide both Braille gallery guides as well as the QR codes.
Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss further.
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Paula Millet
Exhibition Designer
Baltimore MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2024 03:16 PM
From: Andrea Stromeyer
Subject: Braille/Visual Accessibility Company Recommendations?
Hi all!
We're looking for companies that print braille books for our permanent exhibitions to expand visual accessibility. Has anyone worked with a group they liked?
I read that braille isn't being taught as often anymore so if anyone has other ideas other than printing braille exhibit guides, I'm definitely open to hearing those ideas as well. An idea that occurred to me was to have raised QR codes on our interpretive panels that link to audio visual descriptions of the space and recorded readings of the panels.
Thanks!
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Andrea Stromeyer
Education Programs Manager
Door County Maritime Museum - Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay WI
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