TapeBlocks: Creative Electronics for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities are often excluded from participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities because the activities are not accessible. Additionally, STEM engagement is often not perceived as relevant to the disabled community. The design challenge was threefold. First, to reduce the physical barriers to making electronic circuits - which is traditionally an activity that requires fine motor skills and good vision. Secondly, to maximise participation by making the process easier to understand, minimising the cost, maximising safety and improving power sources. The third challenge was to provide personally meaningful experiences by making them relevant and creative.

TapeBlocks are the first circuit making activity in the world that connects raw electronic components to three-dimensional blocks with conductive tape. TapeBlock's chunky and unfixed form factor changes the way that people interact with the circuits making them more accessible. The children’s foam building blocks are large enough to be easily seen, picked up, and manipulated, and they do not require fine motor coordination. The wide tape surfaces enable a large margin for error when making connections. TapeBlocks were designed so that people can experiment with low risk and build their own understanding. They can also be used creatively.

TapeBlocks are a creative and engaging circuit making activity that have enabled people who do not usually engage in electronics to confidently participate. For example, people with very limited motor abilities can use them by pushing them together on a flat surface. Vibration TapeBlocks can be successfully assembled independently by people who are blind or low vision as they are fully tactile. TapeBlocks are low cost compared to alternatives and have been used worldwide by children and adults with and without disabilities. Tutorials for making TapeBlocks are available at TapeBlock.com and on YouTube.

TapeBlocks is more than a product — it's a world-first movement toward inclusive STEM learning through accessible circuit, shifting perceptions of who belongs and who can lead in technical futures. The radical simplicity of the kit, where circuit connections are built on foam blocks wrapped with conductive tape is a stark contrast to flat, fiddly breadboards or dangerous soldering. Circuit making was previously inaccessible due to the failure to embrace new materials and techniques and TapeBlocks are a visible and tangible example that design can transform accessibility. They raise the question: what other traditional activities need a redesign. TapeBlocks change perceptions of who can participate in STEM. They demonstrate that by changing the design of activities they change who can participate. Creative activities appeal to a different cohort, so the development of characters, vehicles and flower themed projects broaden the appeal of TapeBlocks and circuit making. TapeBlocks were designed specifically to be an accessible activity but they are increasingly being used in mainstream schools because they are better for everyone. The 3V cable used to power TapeBlocks is a safer option than button cell batteries and is better for the environment too.