Despite advancements in training equipment revolutionising swimming for sighted swimmers, the visually impaired community has been left with limited options and outdated solutions. This neglect creates a significant disparity in their ability to independently swim on an equal footing in most swimming pools.

ELO is a bio-inspired pool navigation system designed for visually impaired and blind individuals. Its objective is to assist users in overcoming fears and reclaiming independence in recreational swimming following sight loss. Its intuitive operation is distinguished by high material contrast to enhance tactile navigation.

When active and detecting the user nearing a critical distance from an obstacle ahead, it provides comfortable and intuitive haptic feedback.

This project represents a paradigm shift; a tactile stimuli product designed for a predominantly visually designed world. While it remains in its conceptual stages, thorough assessments underscore its potential as a transformative tool for inclusivity and empowerment, encouraging further innovation in the field of assistive technologies for visually impaired swimmers.