Korean design trio Eojin Roh, Seonjin Baek, and Yujeong Shin have introduced VITAR, a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) designed for the blind and visually impaired.
What does the VITAR look like?
Shaped like a guitar, and instead of the traditional strings. The instrument includes a Braille fingerboard made up of several embossed keys that users sense and press with their left hand to play a tune.
Where does the music transfer to while operating the keys?
While operating the keys, electronic signals get sent to a Digital Audio Workstation.
How does the user navigate the ‘VITAR’ guitar?
To help the user navigate the ‘VITAR’ guitar, which has and asymmetrical shape. Complementing its unique shape is a set of embossed lines carved along the main body, acting as additional guiding points when handling the device. The most prominent lines are found at the center of the guitar, reminiscent of the row of strings in traditional guitars. the recessed chamber at the center of ‘VITAR’ serves as guidelines
What is the benefit with the VITAR over traditional guitars?
According to the designer trio, people with visual disabilities become more sensitive to auditory stimulation as an alternative to vision, encouraging them to opt for musical activities. Incorporating a Braille system can then help them play the music they want by creating an experience that is intuitive and manageable without stripping the fun from it. That’s where ‘Vitar’ comes in — a simple yet groundbreaking re-imagination of the guitar fingerboard that makes music that much more accessible.
