Introducing Color Buddy App: Color Vision Deficiency Simulator and Color Identification



We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest Android app Color Buddy which features a color vision deficiency (CVD) simulator and a color identification tool. 

To use the tools, download and install the Color Buddy app on your Android device through this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.tynge.colorbuddy.

Open the app. Click on the “Color Vision Deficiency Simulator” or “Color Identification” depending on which tool you want to use as shown below:

Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) Simulator 

With Color Buddy’s CVD simulator, you can either utilize your live camera feed or upload an existing image to simulate various types of color vision deficiencies. As described in the previous section, to use this tool, click on the CVD card on the homepage. It will automatically open a live camera view as shown below. Click on the selector element on the left to choose different CVD modes, or the upload image element if you want to apply the CVD mode on an image file instead of a live camera view. You can also click on the camera icon to toggle between front/selfie and rear cameras.

Below is an example of a CVD mode applied to an image file:

Click the back arrow button to go back to the live camera view.

This incredible feature includes the following CVD modes, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of different visual experiences:

  • Normal Vision: This mode represents the standard color perception of individuals without any color vision deficiencies.

  • Protanopia (Red-blindness): A type of color blindness where red cones are missing, causing confusion between red and green colors.

  • Protanomaly (Red-weakness): Similar to Protanopia, but with some remaining ability to perceive red, leading to difficulties distinguishing between red and green shades.

  • Deuteranopia (Green-blindness): This mode simulates the absence of green cones, causing confusion between green and red colors.

  • Deuteranomaly (Green-weakness): A milder form of Deuteranopia, with some remaining green perception, making it challenging to distinguish between green and red hues.

  • Tritanopia (Blue-blindness): A rarer form of color blindness where blue cones are absent, leading to difficulties distinguishing between blue and yellow.

  • Tritanomaly (Blue-weakness): Similar to Tritanopia, but with some remaining blue perception, causing confusion between blue and yellow shades.

Understanding color vision deficiency is more than just an exercise in curiosity; it has real-world implications. For designers, it can aid in creating products that are accessible to all users. For educators, it offers a chance to create awareness among students and peers. For friends and family, it provides a way to better understand the experiences of loved ones.

Color Identification for Everyone

An essential feature of Color Buddy is color identification, useful not only for those with color vision deficiencies (CVD) but also for anyone encountering ambiguous colors. Users can upload an image or use a live camera capture to identify colors on a canvas.

For individuals with CVD, this functionality makes it easier for them to recognize and understand the colors in their surroundings. Meanwhile, for those without CVD, it provides a powerful tool to clarify and identify colors that might be ambiguous or challenging to distinguish. Whether you're a designer seeking the exact shade for your project or simply curious about the colors around you, this feature offers practical assistance.

As mentioned previously, click on the “Color Identification” card on the homepage to use this tool. Below is what you will get when you select this tool:

Clicking on the “Upload Image” button will give you the option to either upload an image file or capture an image with your camera. Choose either option depending on your use case. The camera option also has the choice to use a selfie/front or rear camera just like in the CVD tool. After selecting the image file or capturing an image, the canvas will be filled with the image. Click anywhere on the canvas to identify a color. A sample color identification on an uploaded image is shown below. A cross symbol is displayed momentarily to signify the point in the canvas corresponding to the identified color name.

 

Coming Soon: Progressive Web App & More

More to come! We're working to release Color Buddy as a progressive web app, making it accessible across all platforms. This expansion means that even more people will be able to benefit from our application, regardless of their device.

Moreover, our team is committed to enhancing Color Buddy with more features shortly. We believe that technology can be a powerful tool for inclusivity, and we're determined to keep pushing the boundaries to make our app even more useful.

 

Download Color Buddy from Google Play Store here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.tynge.colorbuddy.

 

Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to share your feedback. Together, we can make the world a more colorful place for everyone!

 

Disclaimer

Please note that the color vision deficiency simulation provided by Color Buddy is intended to offer a general representation of various CVD modes. It is not a precise recreation of the real-world experiences of individuals with color vision deficiencies. Color vision deficiencies can vary greatly in type and degree among different individuals, and the app's simulation may not accurately reflect the unique experiences of every person with CVD. Always consult with healthcare or vision professionals for a proper understanding and diagnosis of color vision deficiencies. The Color Buddy app is a tool for awareness and education and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.

 


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