3D printing as an aid: Tactile teaching materials for visually impaired learners

Mathematical and scientific concepts are often conveyed through visual representations. Graphs, formulas and diagrams play a central role in understanding complex relationships. However, people with visual impairments face considerable challenges here, as many learning materials are designed for visual perception. As part of the EUniWell project Geo3DTouch, researchers from Germany, Spain and Italy are now working on a solution to make mathematical and scientific concepts accessible through tactile 3D models.

The project, which includes scientists from the University of Konstanz, uses additive manufacturing to create teaching materials that make mathematical formulas, spectral analyses or geometric relationships tangible through the sense of touch. Three-dimensional representations of measurement data are printed so that, for example, chemical spectra are available as tactile reliefs. This makes it possible to explore peaks and troughs of data curves directly with the fingers instead of just interpreting them visually.

Cooperation with the Spanish organization ONCE, which is committed to supporting visually impaired people, plays a central role. Together with affected learners and teachers, the models are to be designed in such a way that they are best adapted to the needs of the target group. Initial drafts of the materials were developed at a project meeting in Santiago de Compostela in January 2025. As the project progresses, the concepts will be refined by students and didactic experts.

The aim of the project is to create freely available and easily reproducible teaching materials. The print templates will be made available online free of charge at the end of the project so that they can be produced on standard 3D printers. In addition, detailed instructions are planned to support teachers in the didactic integration of the models.

“Through a joint, constructive process of science and practice, we are trying to implement suitable practical examples. In this way, we allow inclusive access for people with impaired vision – an insight into data you can touch, so to speak,” says Johannes Huwer.

Geo3DTouch is supported by the Seed Funding Program of the European University of Well-Being (EUniWell). This initiative supports projects that combine educational and health aspects with innovative approaches. With a maximum funding amount of 25,000 euros per project, the program enables interdisciplinary research collaborations with practical implementation.