Asian Journal of Applied Sciences (ISSN: 2321 – 0893) Volume 05 – Issue 02, April 2017 Asian Online Journals (www.ajouronline.com ) 239 The Design of Color Detector Device for Visually Impaired People Mochamad Bintang Rivani 1 , Kristiana Asih Damayanti 2,* and Ali Sadiyoko 3 1 Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Parahyangan Catholic University Jalan Ciumbuleuit 94 (Bandung, Indonesia) 2 Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Parahyangan Catholic University Jalan Ciumbuleuit 94 (Bandung, Indonesia) 3 Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Parahyangan Catholic University Jalan Ciumbuleuit 94 (Bandung, Indonesia) * Corresponding author’s email: krist [AT] unpar.ac.id _________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT— This study was conducted to create a design of color detector device that can meet the needs of people with visual impairments. In the early stages of research, interviews was held to determine the difficulties that were being faced by the visually impaired when identifying color difference. Further interviews were conducted in order to obtain their further needs to the design of a color detector device. The next thing to do was to determine the importance rating of each need that was identified. Based on the importance rating of the needs, some design concepts were generated by using some combination tables. Three design concepts are generated and concept selection was conducted by involving users and external designer. Anthropometric data was used for determining the dimensions of the selected design. The device that was designed was a color detector device with a voice output. To gain a real feedbacks from users, final prototype was then made for testing both of its function and design. A variety of electronic components, including color sensor, microcontroller, chip recorder, and speaker were used to test the function of color detector device. Meanwhile, a case design was produced by using 3D printer technology with ABS plastic materials. Based on the final prototype, a test was held to obtain the user’s response on its function and design. The test results several feedbacks for future development of the product including a lighter weight, smaller size, louder voice output, more accurate color defining, and wider range of object source selection for color identification. Keywords— Product Design, Visually Impaired People, Color Detector _________________________________________________________________________________ 1. INTRODUCTION The number of blind people has reached a high figure nowadays. World Health Organization (WHO) stated 285 million people worldwide has a decreased visual ability (visual impairments). Nearly 39 million people of them are having a total blind condition, while the other 246 million people are having a low vision condition [1]. General Directorate of Social Rehabilitation of Indonesia under the Ministry of Social Affairs of Republic Indonesia stated that in 2020, the number of visually impaired people is going to be increased by two times (Djunaedi, 2010). Given this fact, the Indonesian government is currently undertaking rehabilitation to the blind people, so that they could live independently without relying on others. This approach is being taken in order to increase their standard of living so that they can be more productive. PSBN Wyata Guna is one of the technical unit in the field of rehabilitation and social services that located in Bandung, Indonesia. It is hard for the visually impaired people who live in Indonesia to live independently. The reason behind this is because the facilities that are available to help the daily activities of visually impaired people are still fairly minimal. Currently, the visually impaired people in Indonesia have been being helped by several products. Based on a survey conducted by WHO Indonesia [2], there are at least 5 types of visual-aid products are listed on the study, including eye glasses, magnifying devices, tactile sticks, Braille writer tools, and spoken devices (such as: calculator and hand watch). However, up until this day, they are still facing some difficulties in performing daily routine activities. In order to make them live independently, it is required to develop some products that is specifically designed to support their activities. Product design and development for special population, i.e. visually impaired people, may help them reach a higher standard of living. In doing this research, the visually impaired people that lives at PSBN Wyata Guna Bandung are being sampled as respondents. Based on interview that is conducted in the early stage of the research, they faced a difficulty in