Now her hard work has paid off and received recognition from key industry figures - she has scooped a British Museum Award worth £1,500 and an Adapt Trust Award worth £2,500 from the RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).Kim, from Catrine in South East Ayrshire, said: "The term 'inclusive design' is about ensuring environments, products and services are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. However, I became aware that inclusive design does not seem to cater for people with hearing impairments as much as other impairments, such as mobility problems. With this in mind, I decided to undertake the challenge of designing for the hearing impaired within museums."
Kim discovered that major problems still exist with communication and navigation. Her research showed that poor layout could trigger a problem called 'visual dizziness' and also showed that current systems (for example audio transmitters) do not provide enough control or independence. By liaising with staff from Edinburgh's Museum of Scotland, and working alongside a teacher for the deaf and some of her pupils, she worked out what improvements could be made and came up with an innovative new concept called 'Subtitles for Museums'.She explained: "I designed information points which would take the form of a light installation - as well as being functional, this would enhance everyone's visit without detracting from the exhibits.
"By incorporating a special transparent holographic film into the design, information could be projected onto glass panels sunk into the display wall. As you enter the museum, instead of receiving an audio guide, you would be given a small handheld device which would give you the option of captions, subtitles, sign language or enlarged text - and they would also hold information on emergency evacuation routes."
The RSA's judging panel was so impressed with Kim's design that she received two accolades, and there is even a possibility that her designs could be put into production with further research. One of the awards will be in the form of an internship at the British Museum in London and Kim plans to use the other £2,500 award to travel and learn more about design concepts used abroad.
(Lee Baldock)
