My Work
What is Haptic Design?
In my work, I embrace the transformative power of haptics to enrich human experiences. My mission is to make haptic technology accessible, affordable, and approachable in everyday life, driving innovation through real-world problem solving and whimsical engagement. Touch has the power to become the 3rd lane to the digital superhighway. And I’m excited to be amongst a dedicated independent group of “hapticians” that laying the ground work for the next generation to build from. Haptic means touch, and it’s poised to shift the way we engage with and embody information.
Keith’s Projects
My personal and professional work sits in a Venn diagram of haptics, design, movement learning, accessibility and fashion. I explore pioneering projects, blending design, engineering, impact and haptics to transform user experiences. My design goal is ultimately intuitive simplicity. As Albert Einstein once said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”
WearWorks
HapticNav® App
HapticNav® as a free haptic navigation app that gently guides us to an end destination, using only vibrations without the knee for any visual or audio feedback. With the advances of haptics and mobile devices, we were able to create the Wayband experience directly in your phone. No device necessary. Enjoy eyes-free, ears-free, cost-free navigation, all at your finger tips.
WearWorks
Wayband® Wristband
In 2017, Wayband®, a haptic wristband, helped the first person who is blind to run in the NYC Marathon without needing a sighted running guide. It was a historical feat, garnering press from TED, The New York Times, The Verge and Discovery Channel.
The Haptic 9 Co.
Democratizing Haptics
The Haptic 9 Co. is driven by a mission to intuitively integrate touch into digital environments by making haptics accessible, affordable, and approachable. By crafting innovative products and experiences, we aim to transform the digital landscape beyond sight and sound. Our vision is to lead the way in creating tactile interactions; inspiring change, promoting accessibility and supporting growth in haptic adoption across all industries. Let’s work together!
Leonard Pryor Fellow | Kansas City Art Institute
Tactility | An Exhibition of Touch
Art-making is deeply tactile. Yet, in art exhibition the “look, but don’t touch”, which protects art while elevating it’s status as literally “untouchable” can be deeply inaccessible. Tactility is a fully-touchable curated art exhibition. Thirty-one works of art where every piece can be touched. For the launch, we invited the Kansas State School for the Blind to have a run of the place. One student with a visual impairment asked, “So… what can we touch.” My reply, “You can touch EVERYTHING!” The students where so engaged with the work and seeing their faces was one of the proudest moments of my life. And yes, sighted-people can touch, too!
Leonard Pryor Fellow | Kansas City Art Institute
Reimagining Accessibility | Nelson-Atkins Museum
An collaboration with KCAI students, the Nelson-Atkins Museum and The Haptic 9 Co. to interpret works of art in the permanent collection as tactile artifacts. Our goal is to expanding the number of artworks that can be experienced via the Blind Touch Tours, led by the The Whole Person.
Facebook Group | 4,200+ Members
Sustainable Fashion NYC
Sustainable Fashion NYC is a Facebook community dedicated to promoting eco-friendly, ethical, and circular fashion solutions in the greater New York area. Started in 2012 by a group of sustainability-minded enthusiasts to bring together designers, brands, and consumers interested in reducing waste and embracing responsible production. The group grew from the 13 original members to over 4,200 members—fostering lively discussions on slow fashion practices, upcycling, and local sustainability initiatives. By connecting professionals and enthusiasts, Sustainable Fashion NYC has helped drive awareness, partnerships, and innovation within the local ethical fashion scene.
“To know ten thousand things, know one well.”
Miyamoto Mushashi