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: Move, Touch

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Tactile sight wayfinding belt

Developed by Tactile Sight, a spinoff of the University of Waterloo, the Tactile Belt functions much as a route planner such as Google…

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Topics: Hear, Move, Touch

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Raynes Tacdots tactile paving

Designed by Raynes Associates, Tacdots are easy to install and easy to use tactile wayfinding dots. The dots can be used for inside and…

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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: Touch

Research state: Opportunity

Horizon scan, innovation. Sight line safer streetworks for all

Streetworks as temporary obstacles in one’s (familiar) environment leave blind people disoriented. This project aims to make…

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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: 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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