Why Braille Dots Were Chosen Over 3D Letters
Everyone is familiar with the braille system and its importance for the blind and visually impaired community. The efficiency and simplicity of the braille dots, as developed by Louis Braille, have made it the preferred method for reading among blind individuals. Today, the braille system is not just a matter of preference; it is a legal requirement in many countries. For instance, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that all public entities, including businesses and colleges, provide braille services.
The Limitations of Tactile Reading
Despite their necessity and effectiveness, braille dots face certain challenges. The human finger is not as adept as the eye at parsing complex shapes and details. Try to 'read' the raised numbers on your bank card, and you will quickly see why braille dots are superior. The number '0' (letter 'o'), '8', and 's', 'n', 'h', and 'm' are indistinguishable through touch. Relying on such large and cumbersome shapes for reading would be impractical and inefficient. Instead, the six-dot structure offers a more straightforward and quicker decoding process.
I understand the frustrations of those advocating for 3D letter systems. Personally, as someone who is learning braille due to declining eyesight, I feel eternally grateful that Louis Braille's solution exists. Imagine a world where I might have been condemned to illiteracy without this invaluable system.
The Space Consumption of Braille
The advantages of braille extend beyond just readability. It is also an efficient use of space. For instance, a single Harry Potter book might stretch across 14 braille volumes. Similarly, a braille Torah consists of 24 volumes. Moreover, these volumes are printed on both sides, further maximizing space usage. Books with scientific and mathematical content, which often contain numerous graphs and diagrams, require even more space. My middle school math book, for example, spanned 36 volumes, again printed on both sides to optimize space.
These dimensions highlight an aspect of braille that is often overlooked—the sheer volume of material needed when transitioning to a 3D format. Imagine the space required for 3D-printed letters and the inconvenience it would entail.
The Evolution of Braille Techniques
During the early days of braille, tactile systems attempted to emulate written letters in three dimensions. However, these attempts proved unsuitable. For a blind person to read accurately and efficiently, the letters would need to be significantly larger than braille dots. This would make writing braille equally cumbersome and inefficient, given that braille can be embossed using various methods, including simple rulers or embossing typewriters.
The bandwidth of touch is inherently lower than that of sight. As such, it would take a considerable amount of time for a blind person to decipher 3D letters or numbers. A single credit or debit card reading would be cumbersome in comparison to the quick and effective decoding of a pattern of dots.
In summary, the braille dots have endured as they offer an elegant balance of efficiency and simplicity, making them an optimal solution for tactile reading. While the concept of 3D letters may seem appealing, the practical and logistical challenges they present have solidified the dominance of the six-dot braille system.
Keep braille in schools, spread the word, and continue to advocate for its importance.