Lechal is an interactive haptic footwear developed by India-based Ducere Technologies. Shaped like an insole, users are able to use Lechal with many different kinds of footwear. It provides GPS navigation through vibratory feedback that would guide users invisibly, but intuitively.
Through Lechal, Ducere Technologies strives to help the blind or visually impaired navigate the world better. Lechal uses Bluetooth technology to sync to a user’s phone, where you can set your destination. It will then show you the way through gentle vibrations, which means that the user does not have to be cosntantly relying on visual or audio feedback from their phones/devices. This also makes it easier for the visually impaired to lessen dependency on their walking sticks.
PROS
Unlike map applications, which would require users to look at their devices, or through audible instructions, Lechal directs users in a hands-free way. Instead of having to walk with their sticks, Lechal could direct the visually impaired in a whole different way.
Other than the visually impaired, Lechal also works great for those with perfect vision. Instead of having to spend days with their heads down, or ears cocked to listen to their phone’s instructions, users are able to look up and enjoy their world without being too dependent on their phones.
Lechal also works offline. Without data connectivity, it is still able to give users directions anywhere in the world.
Other than navigation, it also has other functions that track workouts and fitness goals.
CONS
I’m not sure how it would be if users missed the vibration, or if its affordance is as effective.
Besides, other than a navigation device and health-tracking device, I don’t know if it completely eliminates the need to use walking sticks for the blind or visually impaired.
MODIFICATION
Maybe other than its main functions, Lechal could also be developed to have distance, motion and audio sensors that would allow it to detect its surroundings and direct its users better. This way, the blind or visually impaired can navigate the world better, without having to rely on sticks. Plus, it already has GPS so it would also be able to replace map applications for the visually impaired.