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Western Pennsylvania School of Blind Children

Interactive Garden Fountain

Project Overview

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Our team designed and implement a system for children with visual and/or other impairments to playfully engage with an interactive garden fountain through various sensory stimuli. 

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The newly designed system is inspired to create a holistic experience through the theme of aquatic ecosystems. Through this thematic lens, our interactive representation of an aquatic ecosystem leverages the four fountain heads to facilitate children’s understanding of aquatic life. By diversifying the sensory experience, we reached the goal for students afflicted with various impairments. 

Role:

Service & Experience Design

Project Brief

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Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind (WPSB) possesses a garden fountain in the outdoor playground and garden. Not used in 10 years due to the lack of engagement with the fountain, the school shut the fountain off. 

 

Rebecca Renshaw , the current head director of WPSB, desired to revamp and restore the fountain for WPSB. Working with Mrs. Renshaw, my team and I designed, fabricated, and installed a system for children with visual and other impairments to playfully engage with an interactive garden fountain through various sensory stimuli. 

Objectives

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  • Work with teachers to better understand the various impairments that exist for WPSB students

 

  • Understand control system to gauge feasibility of designs and features. 

 

  • Prototype and test with students. Iterate on designs. Test for safety (Waterproof, material, durability, etc. )

 

  • Deliver design deliverables and files to Rebecca with functional prototypes. 

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Interactive Garden Fountain

Project Process

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