THE SOUND OF NORTH
Wayfinding for Visually Impaired People
Sponsored by the Audi Design Foundation
Wayfinding solutions for people with low vision have yet to take full advantage of emerging technologies. This project looks at designing systems that enable better navigation of public spaces and buildings using near-future technology. However, there are implications for the wider population as the system could enable a better navigation of public spaces and buildings for all.
Evidently our present wayfinding infrastructure relies heavily upon displaying information visually
through signs, notices, arrows, maps, etc. There is no reason why this has to be the case.
We have other senses and each could act as an input for information.
Pathfinder is an application for mobile phones, a tag product and an online information community
In certain situations we are all somewhat visually impaired.
If effective wayfinding is about the provision of relevant information in a succinct manner,
the addition of visual noise can distract and make the process inefficient.
Where systems have been designed for low vision users, they are generally limited to audio loops that can be expensive to install or Braille, which only a small percentage of people can read.
However the rapid development of ubiquitous wireless networks and the high uptake of personal electronic devices mean that there is an opportunity for change.
3 prototypes were developed to investigate how wayfinding systems for the visually impaired could benefit from emerging technology and a open information architecture.
- Talking Tactile Map
- RFID Torch
- Smart Camera
Some multimodal interfaces and information structures & filters have also been developed.
Helen Hamlyn Centre, 2008
Sponsored by the Audi Design Foundation