Glossary
Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.
27 results found in tactile graphics.
- Candlewick Knot (Candlewick Stitch)
- An embroidery stitch that creates raised, textured bumps or knots on the fabric surface. Candlewick knots produce one of the roughest and most tactilely distinctive textures available in machine embro…
- Cross Stitch
- An embroidery technique that creates X-shaped stitches, typically arranged in a grid pattern. Cross stitch produces a distinctive tactile texture with a repetitive, regular pattern that is relatively …
- Embossed Graphics (Embossed Tactile Graphics, Raised Graphics)
- Tactile graphics produced by a braille embosser or similar device that creates raised dots and lines on heavy paper or card stock. Embossed graphics are one of the most common methods for producing ta…
- Embroidered Braille
- Braille text produced using machine embroidery rather than traditional embossing methods. Embroidered braille uses raised stitch patterns (typically candlewick knots) to create the dots of braille cel…
- Haptic Graphics (Dynamic Tactile Graphics, Refreshable Haptic Graphics)
- Graphical information presented through the sense of touch, typically on refreshable displays or touchscreen devices. Unlike static tactile graphics (embossed paper or thermoform), haptic graphics can…
- Machine Embroidery (Computerized Embroidery, Automated Embroidery)
- A textile production method using computer-controlled embroidery machines to stitch patterns onto fabric based on digital design files. Machine embroidery can produce a wide variety of stitch types, t…
- Microcapsule Paper (Swell Paper, Capsule Paper, Swell Touch Paper)
- A specialized paper used to create raised tactile graphics, containing heat-sensitive microcapsules of alcohol embedded in its surface. When black carbon-based ink is printed on the paper and then pas…
- QR code accessibility (QR code labels, Machine-readable labels)
- The use of Quick Response (QR) codes as an alternative to Braille or printed text for encoding information in tactile graphics, product labels, or physical environments that can be read by smartphone …
- Running Stitch (Back Stitch, Stem Stitch)
- A basic embroidery stitch that creates a dashed or continuous line by passing the needle in and out of the fabric at regular intervals. Running stitch and its variants (back stitch, stem stitch) are f…
- Satin Stitch
- An embroidery stitch type that creates a smooth, flat fill by laying long or short parallel stitches closely together. Satin stitch produces a relatively smooth tactile surface and is commonly used to…
- Small Multiples
- A series of similar graphics or charts arranged in a grid or sequence, each showing a different frame, condition, or time point, used to illustrate change or comparison. In tactile graphics, small mul…
- Stitch Type (Stitch Pattern, Embroidery Stitch)
- A specific method of forming stitches in embroidery, each producing a distinct visual and tactile result. Common stitch types include running stitch (simple dashed line), satin stitch (smooth parallel…
- Swell Form (Capsule Paper, Microcapsule Paper, Swell Touch Paper, Minolta Paper)
- A tactile graphics production method using special heat-sensitive paper coated with microcapsules. When black ink is printed on the paper and passed through a heating machine, the dark areas absorb he…
- Swell Paper (Capsule Paper, Microcapsule Paper, PIAF Paper)
- A special paper coated with heat-sensitive microcapsules that swell when exposed to heat, creating raised tactile surfaces from printed black areas. When passed through a heating device (such as a PIA…
- Tactile Animation (Animated Tactile Graphics, Tactile Motion Graphics)
- A sequence of tactile images displayed over time on a refreshable tactile display to convey motion, change, or dynamic processes through touch. Unlike static tactile graphics, tactile animations allow…
- Tactile Contrast
- The degree of perceptible difference between adjacent or co-occurring tactile elements, analogous to visual contrast in graphic design. In tactile graphics, sufficient contrast between neighboring reg…
- Tactile Icon (Tactile Symbol, 3D Icon, Raised Icon)
- A small raised or three-dimensional symbol placed on a tactile map or diagram that represents a real-world object, location, or concept through touch. Tactile icons can be abstract (geometric shapes r…
- Tactile Image (Tactile Graphic, Tactile Picture, Touch Image)
- A tactile image is a raised or textured representation of a visual image designed to be perceived through touch rather than sight. Tactile images can be produced through various methods including embo…
- Tactile Legibility (Tactile Readability)
- The ease with which tactile information—including tactile graphics, braille, and raised-line diagrams—can be accurately perceived and understood through touch. Tactile legibility depends on factors in…
- Tactile Map (Raised Map, Touch Map)
- A map designed to be read by touch, using raised lines, textures, braille labels, and other tactile elements to represent geographic or spatial information for blind and visually impaired users. Tacti…