When our founder, Manu, read about the new LEGO Braille set, he knew he had to ask our accessibility testing team for their opinions.
As an AFOL, or “Adult Fan of LEGO,” and an advocate for creating accessible digital spaces and products, Manu noticed one thing. Few, if any, reviews were done by a visually impaired reviewer. One accessibility tester stood out for feedback: Jesus, who is blind and hard of hearing.
Jesus Unboxes the LEGO Braille Set
Through a conversation with Jesus, we learned his first impressions about the new LEGO Braille set. In the video, he discusses what he likes about the set, as well as where improvements are still necessary.
LEGO Makes Progress for Inclusion
The LEGO Braille Set was released on September 1, including English and French sets. Using a QR code, those who play with the LEGO set can access educational videos and tips for use. It’s also a valuable tool for children, like Jesus’s 6 year-old-son, who can learn to read braille as a fun activity!
Included in the set:
- Two gray base plates
- 267 colorful LEGO bricks (with numbers and letters)
- A guide to understand braille
- Brick separator (which did not have any instructions for use in Braille marked upon it, making it challenging to use)
Linking Accessibility Testing & the LEGO Braille Set
Our accessibility testers are always aware of advancements in inclusive design for people with disabilities, not just in the tech field. An important part of their education has been working with testers like Jesus. His feedback throughout the testing process has been valuable for our clients, including product managers, developers, and designers.
Only through understanding the technology our colleagues with disabilities use, such as screen readers, accessible gaming devices, and TalkBack, can we fully understand what creating the best user experience for people with disabilities is like.
The LEGO braille set takes us one step further in our education as we build a more inclusive world. Brick by brick and click by click we will get there!
If you would like a transcript of the video, click on the link below.
