How We See

In 2016 the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) launched a campaign, ‘How I See’ raising public awareness of the spectrum of sight and re-orienting society’s attitudes towards sight loss. The key takeaway is that everyone sees differently, and being registered legally blind doesn’t mean total sight loss; instead, the spectrum of sight covers over two hundred conditions that can be genetic or accident- or age-related.

As an extension to 'How I See', the RNIB commissioned the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design to research ways in which inclusive design can help increase public understanding and attitudes towards eye health through the experiences of the sight loss community.

Luka Kille is the design researcher on this project, and through her own lived experience of being visually impaired, she has identified key areas on which partial sightedness has a direct impact – employment, mental health, use of transport and technology. The results of the research so far have led to the proposal of a set of toolkits that will intervene in three social contexts: schools, Industry and Government to encourage more support for raising awareness.