The web catalog forms the most important part of TactileView’s concept. The collection consists of an ever-growing number of designs, originating from many different countries.

Useful design

The images included in the web catalog have been designed in such a way that they are fit for tactile use after printing in Braille or on swell paper; no further adjustment of the designs is necessary.

The optimal size of the image has been taken into account; this is related to the maximum amount of details that can be felt. Some designs consist of separate sheets which have to be connected to each other.  An image will be easier to understand if the designer has given it a fitting title. It is also possible to explain certain aspects of an image by creating text labels.

Each image contains a link to more detailed information, so that after printing it is possible to elaborate on the design by giving a description of what can be seen or felt.

Catalog design

Almost any image can be transformed into a tactile perspective. A classification system is included to help manage the diversity and numbers of images stored in the catalog.

The catalog is structured at three different levels: main categories, sub-categories and series. New categories and series will be added as the collection grows.

The view master assesses the images and categorizes the images per (sub) category or serie.

Image sources

A designer is always  required to transform an image into a tactile image using the TactileView’s drawing software. The designer adds the resulting tactile image to the catalog and categorizes it per (sub) category or serie.

Designers can come from all over the world. This means that their designs are accompanied by titles, text labels and descriptions in the designer’s native language. The collection will therefore consist of designs accompanied by texts in different languages.  To optimize the practical value of the design it is necessary to print the design in the reader’s own language (label preferrence language). Translation of the texts is therefore necessary. Following translation of the text, it is available to every reader or visitor from then on. Each image  contains a link making it possible to translate the text  into a number of languages.

The website will 'react’ to the language installed on the browser’s computer.  TactileView’s drawing software automatically scans the catalog and tells the user if their preferred language is available. If this is not the case, a translation is necessary in order to use the drawing program to produce the image.

Image and system quality management

A 'View master’ will assess the graphic quality of the image and its value for the collection. The view master can contact the designer and provide feedback if necessary.

The librarian is responsible for the catalog structure and classification. He can add, reposition or delete categories or series. A number of translators are available 'behind the scenes’ in order to keep the different parts of the system up-to-date.