Black & Signing, Braille Uno, and Dollar Store Design
The unique culture of Black American Sign Language and a free documentary
IN THE MARGINS
Embracing Dual Identities
It’s so awesome when things you like combine to form something even more awesome (basically the concept behind my business name*). For me that can be anything from Star Wars Lego sets to Taco Bell using Doritos shells.
But before we dive into the combo I’m liking right now, there will be a few asterisks relating to side notes that define words and concepts. I put them right below this so as not to break up your flow but please take a moment to peep them!
Anyways! Right now, the hot combo with a biscuit is American Sign Language (ASL) and Black American culture. As a Hard of Hearing person, I often feel between the two worlds of Hearing and d/Deaf*.
I only recently started learning ASL a few years ago but because I was mainstreamed* growing up, I wasn’t exposed to Deaf culture. But I’ve been Black since the jump so I understand the idea of culture expressed in language, such as code-switching. To see the two merge is so exciting! Since February is Black History Month and Black Deaf History Month, it’s perfect timing for the film Signing Black in America. The Language & Life Project will feature this 27-minute documentary for free during February.
Black ASL (BASL), is a unique dialect of ASL. It developed within historically segregated Black/African American Deaf communities. BASL conveys an identity and a sense of belonging, similar to the variety of spoken languages of the B/AfAm Hearing community. BASL distinguishes itself as a vibrant dialect of ASL by having different uses of space, hand use, directional movement, and facial expression. BASL was, and still is, treated as lesser than ASL, especially in academic or professional settings. However, this is changing as the B/AfAm Deaf community advocates for it's social validity while embracing BASL as a symbol of solidarity and a vital part of their identity.
The documentary has captions and voice-overs so even if you don’t know sign, you can enjoy it!
TERMINOLOGY
What does "d/Deaf" mean? - Mixed case D is used in d/Deaf because “deaf”, lowercase d, refers to the physical/medical condition of hearing loss and “Deaf”, capital D, refers to being immersed in the culture of those with hearing loss.
What is "mainstreaming"? - Mainstreaming in education refers to enrolling a student in a school with other students who reflect the majority of society. For d/Deaf/HH children, this means attending Hearing schools - often with limited or no access to services for their specific needs.
ACCESSIBILITY
UNO ColorADD
Speaking of Uno... the Braille version wasn't the first time UNO has re-imagined its classic game play to expand inclusivity. In 2017, they introduced UNO ColorADD – the first accessible card game optimized for those with color blindness. Original UNO requires the identification of colors to play the game. The ColorADD color identification system uses symbols to represent different colors, allowing players with any form of colorblindness to easily play.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Braille Uno
Mattel and the National Federation of the Blind have partnered together to create a Braille edition of UNO®, the iconic family card game. The game is now accessible for the more than 7 million blind and low-vision (BLV) Americans in the U.S.
Easily readable Braille dots on every card allow BLV players to participate in the fun. The packaging features braille on the front and back for clear identification, and directs players to UNOBraille.com where they can find play instructions featuring .BRF (braille readable files) for download. Players can also access voice-enabled instructions through Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
I think it's great that this version promotes the importance and normalcy of braille by integrating it with play and into spaces of the majority. Bringing people of all abilities together creates and fosters community and understanding. Understanding leads to inclusion.
❓ QUESTION: Do you know of any games that take accessibility or disability in mind?
ART & DESIGN
Dollar Store Design Challenge
For this design challenge, I hit up the beloved Dollar Store! Just because something is affordable, doesn't mean it has to look cheap. A lot of the packaging was a copy of a more well-known brand. So to make a wannabe treat more yummy to the eyes, I gave it a unique twist.
I set a time limit to avoid perfectionism and force quick iterations. I reviewed content on the box to decide what was necessary and what could be ditched. A little research on the company and their other products gave me a better idea of their branding. I did a few quick sketches of basic concepts, settled on a palette, and started executing. I managed 2 decent concepts before the timer went off.
But do as I say and not as I do! For side projects or learning, it's fine to design just for aesthetics but I wouldn't advise this with client work. Do the deep-dive to find out crucial client information: who their target audience is, what they do best in their industry, business goals they have, etc. Use that information to guide your design decisions.
❓ QUESTION: Tell me what product would you most want the chance to re-design? Anything you're thinking about re-designing just for fun?
Signing off from the Starship SBLTN,
Laneen
Pronouns: they/them/theirs, she/her/hers
🎧 Listening - Lena West talking about Money, Discomfort, Value, and Worth
👀 Watching - The Daily Moth - Short news videos using American Sign Language
📖 Reading - “Design Around The World” series by Tobias van Schneider
🖊️ Word of the Day - Esoteric: of special, rare, or unusual interest; shit a few snowflakes know