Cities Unlocked

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Topics: Interchange

Research state: Demonstrator

Boarding the train

As Kate exits the lift she is told her platform is number 10, which is seven metres to her right. As she walks towards it she is told what…

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Topics: Find, See

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Ralston & Bau’s storehagen atrium colour wayfinding

This system in a Norwegian government building (Storehagen), identifies the location of different facilities and tenants within the…

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Topics: See, Touch

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Tactile+PlusTranslucent touchscreen buttons

These buttons were primary designed and developed for gaming purposes. But they could also be useful in creating a more inclusive phone or…

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Topics: Explore, See

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. BrainPort device to see with the tongue

Sunglasses are worn by the user with a small digital video camera placed in the centre to capture visuals of the person’s…

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Topics: Find, Hear, See

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. TfL travel support card

TfL’s Travel Support Card is customisable through entering one’s specific details regarding the help required. This could be a…

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