Omani
Inventor Turns Colours into Sensory Experiences for the Blind

Muscat,
7 Jul 2026 (ONA) — Driven by her conviction that innovation begins with an
idea that addresses a human need, Omani inventor Azza Mohammed Al Malki has
developed an educational tool called “Sensory Colours” to help blind
and visually impaired individuals recognise and understand colours through
touch, smell and sound — expanding inclusive learning through innovative
solutions.

“The
initial spark came from my belief that creativity is a right for everyone, and
that losing sight does not mean losing the ability to imagine or feel
colours,” Al Malki told the Oman News Agency (ONA). She said the idea
evolved from a human question into a real project, born from a genuine need in
the community and a desire to make an impact that touches a group deserving to
learn and create in ways that suit their sensory world.

The
innovation has been recognised with several awards, including the Economic
Vision Award in Social Responsibility and Sustainability from Al Roya Newspaper
in 2025, and the Creativity and Excellence Award from Al Mar’a Magazine —
motivating further development and transformation into a sustainable initiative.

She
explained that colours are linked to textures, scents, sounds and environmental
associations, enabling a blind person to form a mental and emotional image of
each hue. When a child touches or smells a colour, they begin to build associations
that help them understand and interact with it in a way closer to their daily
experience — making learning more inclusive, engaging and humane.

She
pointed out that materials were chosen with great care: safe, eco‑friendly and
sensory, with different textures to distinguish between colours and non‑toxic
dyes suitable for children. The focus was on enhancing each colour’s sensory
experience clearly and comfortably.

She
added that the innovation helps blind individuals form a mental and emotional
image of colours through other senses, opening space for imagination,
creativity and expression. The integration of senses significantly enhances
memory, as the mind interacts more strongly with information linked to emotions
and sensory experiences.

“When
a colour is associated with a familiar scent or special texture, it becomes
easier and deeper to remember than a purely theoretical description,” Al
Malki said. “This creates a beautiful emotional relationship between the
blind person and the world, giving them a greater sense of inclusion,
confidence and the ability to express themselves.”

She
explained that sensory colours can be used in schools and rehabilitation
centres, not only for teaching colours but also for developing sensory skills,
enhancing communication and stimulating artistic creativity. Global studies
have shown that using touch, sound and scents helps visually impaired
individuals understand and interact with colours more deeply.

She
said that the innovation can also be applied in art therapy, drawing activities
and classroom exercises, helping students express themselves and build
confidence. Teachers and rehabilitation specialists can use it to develop more
inclusive methods that consider diverse learning needs.

She
pointed out that challenges included providing safe, high‑quality materials
that combine sensory and educational aspects, adapting the product for
different age groups and degrees of impairment, raising awareness about sensory
education, and establishing partnerships with schools and rehabilitation
centres.

Al
Malki noted that modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart
applications could further enhance the innovation, offering a more advanced
educational experience. Global research is increasingly moving towards
multisensory systems to help visually impaired individuals understand colours
and arts more comprehensively.

She
explained that the innovation could be extended to raised drawing, sensory
stories, interactive exhibitions and educational tools based on different senses.
It could also be applied in music, theatre and interactive arts, linking
colours to emotions, sounds and textures for an integrated artistic experience.
Specialised training programmes and workshops could help blind individuals
discover their talents and participate more fully in creative fields.

She
concluded that this innovation gives blind individuals a greater opportunity to
interact with daily details linked to colours, arts, emotions and the
environment. When colour becomes a tangible experience, a blind person feels
closer to understanding the world around them — enhancing their sense of
inclusion, independence and self‑confidence, and opening the door to artistic
expression and creative participation.

—
Ends/Khalid