Maxis celebrates Hari Raya with mobile app for the deaf, launching first on iOS

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.

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. 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.

“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 our heightened sense of sight and touch through visuals and vibrations, lets us experience the Takbir in a unique way. I believe this app will make a difference in the lives of the deaf community in Malaysia,” said Mohamad Sazali Shaari, President of the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD).

“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,” said Tai Kam Leong, Maxis Head of Brand & Marketing.

In conjunction with the launch, Maxis also produced a short film, ‘Deria Takbir Raya,’ which follows Faiz, a little boy who is deaf in real life. On Raya, his father hands him the iPhone with the Deria Takbir app and for the first time in his life, Faiz experiences the feeling of being present during the Takbir. To ensure authenticity, this short film was produced with invaluable input from the deaf community, and features an actual family. Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3hQGM1Cm3c 

Best experienced on iPhone, the Deria Takbir app will be available on the App Store from May 24, 2019.

How to use the Deria Takbir app:

    1. Download the Deria Takbir app from Apple Store.

 
   2. Grant the app permission for microphone access to detect the surrounding Takbir Raya sound.

 
  3. The Deria Takbir app will convert real-time sound waves into cymatic visual patterns and haptic vibration, which follows the Takbir’s rhythm and melody.

For more information on the Deria Takbir app, please visit maxis.com.my/DeriaTakbir