#28 2023 Winner Interview: A Pen that Opens the World to the Visually Impaired

2024. 8. 29.

Behind the Scene

A Drawing Pen That Creates a Society Open to All

The Seoul Design Award seeks out projects that have resolved various everyday issues through sustainable design to create a sustainable daily life where people, society, and the environment coexist harmoniously.

Therefore, the winners of the Seoul Design Award are also those who have been working hard to create the sustainable daily life we dream of. What kind of intense time did they endure from conceiving the project, putting it into action, and making changes in the world? We talked with the winners of the Seoul Design Award 2023 to hear their hidden stories.

The second interviewee is Thirachai Supameteewat, a designer at Qualy, a Thai design brand that created "Lensen: a drawing kit for the visually impaired." Qualy is creating a better and more sustainable world through the power of design. They use environmentally friendly materials to respect the Earth while creating products that bring happiness to everyone. The thread-filled pen they created, Lensen, has given visually impaired children the freedom to learn. Let's hear about Qualy's vision for the future.

🧱 People Breaking Down Invisible Barriers

Thirachai Supameteewat of Qualy

Hello, please introduce yourself.

Hello. Qualy is a 100% Thai design brand that believes we can create a better life and world through the power of design. We want to give people a better life while respecting the Earth. That's why we strive to create designs that bring happiness to people while also moving towards a sustainable and eco-friendly direction.

What was the reason for developing a drawing kit for the visually impaired?

We created the Lensen drawing kit in collaboration with the social enterprise Klongdinsor. Klongdinsor works to create an inclusive society where everyone can coexist by raising awareness of disabilities, providing education, and creating jobs. This aligned with Qualy's direction. The reason we designed for the visually impaired is that 70% of learning is done visually. Because of this, visually impaired people miss out on opportunities for education or employment, so we created the Lensen drawing kit to solve this problem. So that everyone can participate in society without barriers.

It seems like product development was not easy because there were many things to consider.

The most difficult part of the Lensen project was deeply empathizing with the needs and experiences of visually impaired people and those around them. However, since this part became the inspiration and starting point for design, we tried to research and understand as thoroughly as possible. Only then can our design give them a better life.

What kind of life did you want to give them through Lensen?

I wanted Lensen to open up the world of two-dimensional art for the visually impaired and provide them with the experience of creating art. I also wanted them to be able to create their own drawings and preserve them for tactile experiences. Ultimately, I hope this will increase educational, employment, and social participation opportunities for the visually impaired, leading to a fair and sustainable society.

I'm curious how Lensen is actually being used.

It is widely used in homes with visually impaired family members and in schools for the blind. It is developing as an educational tool for visually impaired students by being used as teaching materials for various subjects such as mathematics and art. We provide a user manual for easy use according to the educational program, and we are promoting it so that it can be used more widely. And Lensen is designed to be used without relying on sight. People who have actually used it give positive feedback that it is "simple and easy to use."

Lensen is made analog to make it affordable so that anyone can easily purchase it. Are there any other parts that you paid special attention to?

We made one side of the pen flat so that it doesn't roll, and we selected a thread color that people with weak eyesight can see well. The accessories of the drawing kit are designed to be easy to organize. Also, it can be produced quickly and easily, so there are no difficulties in distribution. It is also an advantage that it has a design that is attractive enough to be used not only by the visually impaired but also by people with sight.

Moreover, the material is eco-friendly. Is there a reason why you are walking such a difficult path while considering so many different aspects?

We live in a society where we influence each other. If we want a peaceful and sustainable life, we must ensure that no one is left behind.

Your work is a testament to the power of design for social good. Your Seoul Design Award win is a well-deserved recognition. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of this achievement?

Thank you to the Seoul Design Award Jury Commitee for recognizing Lensen. Thanks to this, I think we have shown that there is a growing global interest in equality and inclusion. Through this, I think the awareness and understanding of equality and sustainability among Thai people will also increase.

This is the last question. What do you think is the role of a planner or designer for "sustainable design," which is the theme of the Seoul Design Award?

I think designers who continue "sustainable design" play a key role in driving the creativity of others towards sustainability. They play a central role in developing innovative and practical designs while using resources efficiently and minimizing environmental impact.