INTERVIEW

> I know that you loved reading and design before this accident, how has your experience with books and reading changed since your vision started to fade?

Reading used to be an escape for me, I would read for hours before bed, during breakfast--- now it´s harder altough I still have partial vision. I rely mostly on audiobooks, but it’s not the same as touching the pages or smelling the paper. I miss the action of reading.


> When you think about design, especially graphic design, what comes to mind?

For me, design has always been about visuals, posters, colours, advertising. But since my sight got worse, I’ve realised design is mostly for the eyes. I feel left out, even though I still want to interact with it.


> Have you found any graphic design book that you can still interact with?

I still like to go to concept stores, as the touch of some graphic books are different, some have metallic overlays, or include tracing paper, and I like to feel the texture of it. Also, I still have the partial vision, so everything bright enough is a yes for me.


> Do you think design could speak to you in other ways, beyond vision?

Yes, why not. Touch is really important for me now. I imagine raised textures, embossed patterns, or paper that guides your hands like a map. Even sounds or smells could make design more alive for people like me.


> What do you feel when you touch different papers or textures?

Some papers feel warm and soft, others feel sharp and cold. I think texture carries emotion. If design played more with texture, it would communicate differently.


> What would inclusive graphic design mean to you?

It would mean being part of the conversation again. Not just having something read to me, but being able to experience design with my hands, my senses. It would make me feel like design is not just for sighted people, but for everyone.

victoria suarez