Why is this work relevant for Innovation?

The Takbir is an important part of Raya celebrations for Muslims around the world. Unfortunately, the deaf can feel left out when participating in the prayers. Inspired by these challenges, Maxis has created a mobile app in conjunction with Raya this year, enabling the deaf to experience the Takbir through visuals and vibrations for the first time.

Background

To create the app, Maxis worked with the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD) to better understand the challenges that the deaf community experienced, as well as consulted Islamic Affairs Officer and Imam of Masjid Ara Damansara, Uztaz Mohammad Khairul Bin Mohd Lias.

Describe the idea

Utilizing pre-existing accessibility features already present on iPhone, such as the haptic engine, the result was the Deria Takbir app, which converts real-time sound waves into cymatic visual patterns and haptic feedback, allowing users to feel the Takbir’s rhythm and melody.

Describe the innovation/technology

At Maxis, we strive to turn occasions into meaningful experiences, simply by unlocking the possibilities of technology and making it more accessible for everyone. Importantly, we found this campaign to be especially meaningful as there were many parties involved in creating this campaign – from the iPhone team and the inherent features of their devices, to the MFD for giving us valuable insights, consultation with Uztaz Mohammad Khairul, our agency partners and everyone who inspired us. We are driven by the immense potential of people and the role Maxis can play to enable Malaysians and Malaysia. This campaign is an example of this commitment, and one that we are blessed to have undertaken in conjunction with the Raya period

Describe the expectations/outcome

The Takbir has always been an important part of prayer during Aidilfitri, but something I’ve found challenging to follow as someone who is deaf. The Deria Takbir app, which engages with their heightened sense of sight and touch through visuals and vibrations, lets them experience the Takbir in a unique way. We believe this app will make a difference in the lives of the deaf community in Malaysia.