A tactile system that lets blind authors build websites through physical interaction.
TouchCMS is a physical web development platform for designing beyond the screen. The system uses 3D-printed components, a tactile pinboard, computer vision, and voice-assisted authoring to let blind authors arrange, understand, and publish web pages through physical interaction.
My work focused on the physical system: Fusion 360 modeling, print iteration, component durability, assembly logic, and the tactile behaviors that make the interface feel legible in the hand. The pinboard system uses a male tri-pin design inspired by LEGO Technic pins, giving components a more durable connection and a satisfying click as they snap into place.
I also contributed to the broader accessibility authoring work, including hosting expert interviews and helping translate research insights into physical tools for tactile templates, embossed documentation, and voice authoring workflows.
Build details
Fusion 360 Modeling
3D Printing
Computer Vision
Acetone Finishing
Physical Interaction System
Inclusive Design
Accessibility Research
Expert Interviews
Prototyping
Fabrication
Design Engineering
Date2026
RoleDesign Engineer: CAD, fabrication, prototyping, and physical interaction system
Medium3D-Printed Components, Computer Vision, Tactile Templates, Pinboard System, Physical Web Development Platform
CollaboratorsInsun Heo, Hengjia (Amy) Zhang, Paola Rodriguez Vitale
ContextTouchCMS / UC Berkeley Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation
Project websitetouchcms.framer.website
