Be inspired

We estimate that 4 million people will be living with sight loss in the UK by 2050. We need to better understand the problem from the individuals' perspective and identify integrated solutions to make cities enjoyable for everyone.

Challenge

Watch our short films and find out more about the everyday challenges of people with sight loss and the remarkable ways which they are forced to overcome them.

Demonstrator

Discover how we developed, trialled and tested our 3D soundscape technology on a route from Reading to London.

Opportunities

Learn about the emerging opportunities for city planners, architects, technologists and policy makers the world over.

21 results

Topics: Overall
Research state: Challenge

Understanding the challenge

Many people with sight loss are too anxious to leave home alone Getting around cities is a nerve-wracking experience for too many people,…

Read the full article

Topics: Overall
Research state: Demonstrator

3D soundscape technology enabled journey - results

Based on the research you can explore in ‘Challenges’, and equipped with a model of well being developed by Guide Dogs we…

Read the full article

Topics: Overall, Planning
Research state: Challenge

Navigating with a mental map relies on things being where they are expected to be. When they are not significant difficulties can arise

Above almost anything else people with sight loss rely on predictability in their environment. Carefully constructed routes only work when…

Read the full article

Topics: Overall, People Power
Research state: Challenge

Certain behaviors by members of the public can have a significant negative impact people with sight loss when travelling

From cycling on the pavement to pushing in front of them, there is a perception amongst some people with sight loss that members of the…

Read the full article

Topics: Interchange, On Transport
Research state: Challenge

Finding the right person to help

Asking for help from a passer by is often the best way to deal with a complicated or unknown step in a journey. However not all passers by…

Read the full article

Topics: Find, On Transport
Research state: Challenge

Many people with sight loss find it difficult to identify unoccupied seats which makes travel on busses and trains more difficult

Moving through a potentially crowded train carriage or bus and finding an unoccupied seat can be present huge problems for people with…

Read the full article

Topics: Explore, Hear
Research state: Challenge

Distinctive and predictable sounds in the urban environment are key source of navigational information

Changes in the sound of traffic, the sounds of different trains or of a shouting market stall holder are all examples of useful and…

Read the full article

Topics: Explore, Interact
Research state: Challenge

Distinctive and predictable smells in the urban environment can work as useful landmarks

From fish to fried chicken people with sight loss use all sorts of smells as navigational cues. Like any other landmark for a smell to be…

Read the full article

Topics: Explore, Find
Research state: Challenge

Features of the environment that were not intended as navigation infrastructure are often still used as useful and important landmarks by people with sight loss

If a feature of the environment is detectable by them and always in the same place it can be used as a navigational landmark for someone…

Read the full article

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