In a world dominated by visual media, those without sight face unique challenges in accessing information, engaging in cultural experiences, and participating in visual art. However, Rico has set out to change this with his revolutionary innovations: the Tactile-Audio Interaction System (TAIS), Tactile Visual Vocabulary System (TVVS), and Tactile Colour System (TCS). These three inventions allow visually impaired people to experience art by translating visual information into accessible information for them.

Developed by his company, Beyond Vision International, these assistive technologies are breaking new ground in accessibility for visually impaired individuals by combining tactile and audio descriptions and indicating shapes and colors. These inventions help the visually impaired navigate and interact with their surroundings, fostering a more inclusive society. Through the three inventions, Rico is redefining how visually impaired individuals engage with art, education, and their communities, laying the groundwork for a future where accessibility is not a privilege but a given right.

Written by: Anthony Ho

Edited by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

Venue by: Hong Kong Museum of Art

Beyond Vision: Revolutionizing Assistive Technology

The development of the three inventions was a labor of love for Rico and his team. During the interview, he was almost moved to tears over his passion for his work. By understanding the limitations of existing assistive technologies, which primarily relied on either tactile or audio description, Rico envisioned a system that would combine both modalities to create a richer, more immersive experience for users. The goal was to provide access to information and enable visually impaired individuals to engage with and understand their surroundings in a way that was previously unimaginable.

"They were born out of a need to create something that goes beyond simply assisting the visually impaired," Rico said. "It's about giving them the tools to interact with the world on their terms, to explore, to learn, and to express themselves without limitations."

His systems seamlessly integrate advanced tactile feedback with synchronized audio cues, color schemes, and shapes of a picture, allowing users to perceive a wider range of visual information. Whether navigating a museum exhibit, exploring an educational diagram, or interacting with visual content, the inventions provide a level of detail and engagement that traditional assistive technologies simply cannot match.

A Visionary Approach to Accessibility

Rico's journey into the world of assistive technology was not straightforward. A chance encounter with visually impaired photographers in a gallery in Hong Kong who were still able to take eye-catching photos sparked his career start. After witnessing this and then further incorporating it into his Doctoral degree research topic, Rico became determined to create something better for the visually impaired—something that would not just assist but empower them.

"Technology should not just be about solving problems; it should be about creating opportunities and breaking down barriers," Rico said. His work with Beyond Vision International has consistently reflected this philosophy, with TAIS being the most impactful example.

A Commitment to Inclusive Design

What sets Rico apart as a leader in the field of assistive technology is his unwavering commitment to inclusive design. From the outset, the development of his systems (TAIS, TVVS, and TCS) involved close collaboration with visually impaired individuals. He and his team conducted extensive user trials, gathering feedback and making iterative improvements to ensure that the final product met the real-world needs of its users.

"Our approach was always about addressing the real-world needs," Rico explains. "We didn't want to create something in a vacuum but develop a tool that was truly useful, something that addressed the everyday challenges that visually impaired individuals face."

This user-centric approach has paid off. The innovative systems are not just technical innovations; they are a platform that empowers visually impaired individuals by giving them greater independence and the ability to participate more fully in their communities. It is also a reflection of Rico's broader vision for a society where technology serves as an equalizer, helping to bridge the gap between different abilities and creating a more inclusive world.

Transforming Lives Through Art and Culture

One of the areas where Rico's work has had the most profound impact is in the arts. For centuries, visual art has been largely inaccessible to the visually impaired, with museums and galleries often struggling to provide meaningful experiences for these individuals. Rico recognized this gap and saw an opportunity for the inventions to make a difference.

In collaboration with several museums and cultural institutions, Rico and his team integrated the three innovations into exhibits, allowing visually impaired visitors to experience art in ways they never could before. The system's dynamic tactile interface enables users to explore the textures, shapes, and compositions of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, while the synchronized audio provides context and interpretation.

The impact of this work is best illustrated by a memorable project at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Initially, the museum was hesitant, unsure if a visually impaired person could truly "see" the exhibits from his work. The museum organized a focus group of visually impaired individuals to test the system during a special exhibition.

Participants were visibly moved as they explored the invention-enhanced exhibits. One individual, who had never been able to engage with visual art on such a personal level, was brought to tears. "I never imagined I could have such an immersive, up-close experience with art," he said. "This has opened up a whole new world for me."

Another participant, a young woman named Shirley, shared how the inventions had not only allowed her to experience art but also given her the confidence to share her interpretations and perspectives with others. "For the first time, I feel like I can be part of the conversation," she said, highlighting the social and emotional impact of Rico and his team's work.

Expanding Opportunities in Education and Employment

Rico's vision for his inventions extends far beyond the arts. He sees this technology as a tool for expanding opportunities in education and employment for the visually impaired.

In educational settings, it has already begun to make a significant impact by providing students with the ability to engage with visual content through a combination of tactile and audio description, and the three inventions would be able to level the playing field in classrooms around the world.

"Education is the key to empowerment," Rico asserts. "If we can give visually impaired students the tools they need to succeed academically, we're not just helping them in the short term but setting them up for a lifetime of opportunities."

The inventions are also opening up new career paths for visually impaired individuals by enhancing their ability to interact with a wide range of visual information, enabling them to take on roles that were previously out of reach. Rico envisions a future where visually impaired individuals can work as museum docents, eco-guides, city tour guides, educators, and more, thanks to the capabilities provided by the three systems.

Paving the Way for Global Impact

Looking to the future, Rico is determined to take his inventions to a global audience. He envisions a world where his inventions become standard tools for accessibility, integrated into public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions around the world.

"Global accessibility is the ultimate goal," Rico said. "We want to ensure that no matter where you are in the world if you're visually impaired, you have the tools you need to live a full and independent life."

Rico also sees the inventions as a way to bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved and developing regions where access to assistive technologies is often limited. By making the products widely available, Rico hopes to empower visually impaired individuals everywhere to participate in the digital economy, pursue education, and engage with their communities.

"By pursuing this ambitious global vision, I believe the inventions can become a powerful catalyst for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world, where visually impaired individuals can thrive and contribute their unique talents and perspectives to the betterment of humanity as a whole," Rico said.