TapeBlocks: Accessible creative electronics for people with disabilities

The design strategy that was formed in response to the brief which revolved around four key pillars: 1. Design for accessibility as the priority, 2. Challenge how things have to be done, 3. Meet the needs of every individual so that no one is excluded, 4. Remove any identified barrier in the design for the next iteration.

The designer of TapeBlocks, Associate Professor Kirsten Ellis, has extensive experience in working with people with a range of people with disabilities in various contexts. She also has broad making skills with a high degree of technical knowledge and crafting skills used for both functional and creative purpose.

The design process was built on a foundation of curiosity which involved lots and lots of experimentation and failure. Various methods for connection were tried including clips, plugs, threads, hook and loop, magnets and snaps. In addition, experimentation in configurations were trialled to create connections such sewing, taping, creating jigsaws that interlocked, layering, and using gravity to complete circuits.

Once the basic form of the TapeBlock was established it was used at several workshop. The development continued with trialling different material for the blocks including wood, foam and laser cut pieces at various heights.

Introducing other components such as vibration motors made TapeBlocks accessible to blind and low vision participants. Components that could introduced other electronic concepts were also introduced into the TapeBlock range including tilt switches and buttons. Each time a group with a different accessibility requirement was identified a new version or component was designed to meet their needs. For example, big buttons provided control to participant with extremely limited mobility.

The other important aspect of the design was to make TapeBlocks relevant to people with disabilities by enabling the personalising of the blocks in creative ways such as characters and vehicles.

The design strategy for TapeBlocks provides a novel design through an innovative approach that is based on extensive knowledge and insights of user’s requirements. Every aspect of TapeBlocks have been considered to make them aesthetically appealing in addition to being light, robust and affording interaction. People will play with TapeBlocks because they inherently appealing and provoke curiosity.

The design strategy for TapeBlocks extended beyond providing a technical solution to a problem, it also achieves the highest levels of accessibility possible but more than this, the recognition of the fundamental necessity for meaning and purpose to motivating engagement sets a new benchmark for good design. The design of personalised characters and vehicles including trains inspired interest from participants and provided intrinsic motivation for participation in the unknown which could otherwise be intimidating.

The safety of TapeBlocks has been a major consideration in their design and development and has been delicate to balance. The design strategy for TapeBlocks has been to make them as safe as possible for example by using 3 volt power which offers the least danger of fire while still adopting the philosophy of dignity in risk. The components for making and using TapeBlock have some risk for example you can get cut by scissors. However, used in a manner appropriate for each individual in the context of their disability they can provide enrichment and challenge which should not be denied.

An outstanding feature of the TapeBlock design strategy that is that it inspires multiple directions for extension and development. The versatility that TapeBlocks afford unlock possibilities for diverse demographics from children to older adult and other who are often excluded. Its intuitive simplicity fosters limitless electronic designs for non-technical creatives setting a new benchmark for design excellence.

TapeBlocks achieve the highest level of accessibility through breaking conventions and creating a completely alternative approach to making circuits. By taking an accessibility first design strategy the original version of TapeBlocks was very accessible from the start rather than being an afterthought.

The design strategy was to continue to push the accessibility threshold to meet the needs of every ability profile for all people with disabilities, excluding no one. For example, to ensure a positive experience for participants with cerebral palsy who must exsert considerable effort to push blocks together bi-directional LED were used, this meant that when the power was connected in either direction the light would turn on.

Additionally, cutting small pieces of conductive tape was difficult for blind users so round stickers were devised.

TapeBlocks has achieved global recognition for its innovative fusion of education, accessibility, and community engagement. Designed by Associate Professor Kirsten Ellis, TapeBlocks have earned acclaim across academic, commercial, and community spheres.

Academically, TapeBlocks were accepted for publication at the prestigious CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2021), the Australian Assistive Technology Conference (2022), The Computer Science Education Outreach Summit of Google (2022), and SXSW (2023). These platforms have underscored TapeBlocks’ scholarly relevance and practical applications.

Commercially, TapeBlocks are accessible worldwide through online sales and have demonstrated their widespread adoption and educational value with over 13,200 YouTube tutorial views. Associate Professor Kirsten Ellis won the Women in Tech Social Impact Advocacy Award for the work in 2023.

TapeBlocks have been recognised with the Eureka Prize from Department of Industry, Science and Resources for STEM Inclusion in 2022. TapeBlocks also received 2nd prize in the Make: Amazing Maker Awards in the Education category in 2022. From Monash University in 2021,

TapeBlocks received a special commendation in the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Deans Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. TapeBlocks were shortlisted in 2019 for the QS Reimagine Education award in the Creating Curiosity Category.

Community integration has been pivotal, with TapeBlocks having been adopted extensively in the Victorian community including for a National science week events in 2019, 2020 and 2022 - inspiring 480 participants with motor, intellectual and sensory disabilities. Phil Hayes-Brown, Wallara CEO affirmed “TapeBlocks opened up the world of STEM to our clients which is a space previously beyond their access”.

Workshops with Blind and Vision impaired participants in 2021 and 2022 reached 20 children and 17 blind adults and low vision. TapeBlocks have catalysed discussions on inclusive STEM design and were featured in the Australian Government’s Diversity in STEM report in 2023.

The reliance on 3-volt button cell batteries for circuit making in Victoria and globally has long posed significant challenges. While convenient and inexpensive, these batteries are environmentally problematic due to their single-use nature and contribute to waste. Moreover, their small size poses safety risks, particularly as choking hazards and potential sources of internal burns if swallowed.

Recognizing these issues, new standards Australia wide and recent bans on button cell batteries in NSW schools underscore the urgency for viable alternatives. Addressing this need, the TapeBlock USB cable power block has emerged as a transformative solution. Designed to connect to rechargeable power banks, this cable eliminates the need for disposable batteries, offering a safe, reusable option that upholds 3-volt functionality while enhancing safety and sustainability.

By eliminating batteries entirely, the TapeBlock USB cable simplifies assembly and safeguards electronic components without compromising learning outcomes. This innovation not only aligns with the Australian curriculum’s emphasis on circuitry education but also sets a new standard for environmentally friendly practices in STEM education. Ensuring every Australian child encounters safe and sustainable circuit-making practices,

TapeBlock’s alternative design strategy promises significant educational and environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future in electronics education.