Cities Unlocked

Topics: Explore, Interact, Move

Research state: Opportunity

Visioning workshop, opportunity: Street Furniture

Existing street furniture and amenities can be a hindrance to the blind and partially sighted. Shared spaces and open streets can disrupt…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Topics: Hear, Interact

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Studio weave lullaby factory radio frequency installation

Lullaby Factory was set up at Great Ormond Street Hospital to create a calming environment for patients. It is an art installation that…

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Topics: Interact, Touch

Research state: Opportunity

Visioning workshop, opportunity theme: Wearables

The commercial potential of this space will drive developer innovation, producing cheaper and more powerful devices that people can use to…

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Topics: Planning, See

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Ian Hamilton/232 Studios Colourblind Tube Map

232 Studios won a TfL competition that aimed to improve navigation information accessibility for colour blind people. The developed maps…

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Topics: Find, Planning, Touch

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Tacmap tactile interactive wayfinding device

This design proposes a device that stores pre-set tactile personal routes that are accessed through a levelling display interface. The user…

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Topics: Interact

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Ataturk obstacle-free airport

Ataturk Airport, managed and operated by TAV Istanbul, received the “Obstacle-Free Airport” Certificate for its extensive work…

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Topics: Hear, Interact

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Sound producing piano staircase

The piano staircase is an interactive landscape that was implemented to encourage people to use the stairs instead of the lift and the…

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