Klangpunkt

"Klangpunkt" is an inclusive learning game designed for blind, visually impaired, and sighted children. The project aims to introduce reading and exploring letters in a playful manner. "Klangpunkt" bridges the gap between standard print and Braille, emphasizing similarities, appreciating differences, and fostering a sense of community.

Thinking

"Klangpunkt" is not a game in the traditional sense – there is no goal, and no one can win. There is no single way to play it, and the instructions are open to individual interpretation. Instead, it's about discovering, exploring, and fostering enthusiasm for writing. However, not only can a blind child playfully explore their writing system, but sighted classmates are also introduced to standard print while simultaneously becoming aware of the other writing system, Braille. The game consists of several components, which will be explained below.

Braille pin modules

The Braille pin modules are moon-shaped wooden boxes with six holes for the Braille dots and offer a great deal of flexibility and freedom. Inserting the pins also provides auditory feedback: each Braille dot is encoded with a specific piano note. This gives each letter a unique sound; one single name makes a whole melody.

The Braille module comes with wooden pins and matching Latin wooden letters. They help blind children to control Braille letters in the module and to explore and understand the writing of sighted people.

Wooden letters

We developed a typeface for the wooden letters that combines Braille and standard print. It creates a bridge between both writing systems, promoting communication and understanding. Sighted and congenitally blind children learn that more than one writing system exists. The circles of the Braille can be colored. When the font is printed in standard size, it can be embossed with a Braille typewriter, allowing blind and sighted people to read the same document. This helps late-blind children recognize the connection between writing systems and remember the dot combinations more easily.

Playbook

The accompanying booklet serves as a guide and inspiration for parents and teachers on how to handle the learning materials and the various possibilities for use at home and in educational settings. The booklet includes sample tasks on how the modules, cards, and letters can be utilized. Other tasks intentionally encourage children to involve their surroundings and not only engage with the materials themselves.

Digital

The website serves as an information portal for the project, introducing the game components and directing users to a fictional shop for purchasing. Additionally, elements of the game, along with open-source materials and an audio guide, are available for download. DIY instructions for recreating the cards and modules can also be found on the website. Currently, it is not publicly accessible, existing only as a Figma prototype.

The project has an Instagram account where photos, impressions, ideas from players, and behind-the-scenes images are shared with users. Emphasis is placed on creating an approachable, personal atmosphere, fostering a community around parents and teachers of blind children through the account..

& more

Furthermore, ABC posters were designed for classrooms and children's rooms, featuring oversized letters that are tactile. The ABC postcards, distributable to students in classes, also include a tactile Braille alphabet in German standard size.