Cities Unlocked

Topics: Find, Interchange, On Transport

Research state: Challenge

Finding and opening the doors, dealing with the gap between the train and platform and getting aboard can all be challenges for people with sight loss

Once someone has reached the correct platform and identified the train they must find the doors and get on. Predicting where the doors will…

Read the full article

Topics: Interchange, On Transport

Research state: Challenge

Different layouts of bus stops have a bearing on how easy they are to locate

The first step to catching a bus is locating the stop. Bus stops that have a distinctive tactile profile and are positioned on the kerb…

Read the full article

Topics: Interchange, People Power

Research state: Challenge

Finding a member of staff who can help is an unpredictable experience

Where a station has an information desk finding a member of staff can just be a matter of arriving at the desk. Where this is not the case…

Read the full article

Topics: Interact

Research state: Challenge

Technology can be transformative but has to be appropriate

Many people with sight loss are aware of the potential of technology to enhance their independence and feel that they need to work to stay…

Read the full article

Topics: Interact

Research state: Challenge

Advice on developing technology

Several participants are excited about the potential for near field technology to help them make journeys but they have some advice for…

Read the full article

Topics: Hear, Overall

Research state: Opportunity

Visioning workshop, opportunity: Hearing the City

Many partially sighted people suffer from a lack of information about their surroundings or situation. Often they rely on the descriptions…

Read the full article

Topics: Move

Research state: Demonstrator

Leaving home

Kate leaves her house and walks down Tamarisk Avenue towards Reading town centre. She’s informed that there’s a new dropped kerb…

Read the full article

Topics: Interact

Research state: Demonstrator

Buying lunch

Always thinking ahead, Kate stops off at Tesco to buy lunch. She uses the technology to do a quick sweep of the store and get a sense of…

Read the full article

Topics: Interchange

Research state: Demonstrator

At the bus stop

Kate heads to the bus stop. As she approaches it she feels the rumble-strip paving beneath her feet and knows it’s coming up on her…

Read the full article

Topics: On Transport

Research state: Demonstrator

On the bus

Boarding the bus, Kate using the technology to find her seat. She’s told the journey to the station will take about 20 minutes. The…

Read the full article

Topics: Interchange

Research state: Demonstrator

In the station

The station is large and noisy. Kate does an audio sweep of the station using the Microsoft 3D soundscape technology and the layout is…

Read the full article

Topics: See

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Sustainable and interactive ‘smart highways’

Daan Roosegaarde’s smart highways work as interactive environments that connect people. Instead of spending money on new cars…

Read the full article