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 developed a sound-based technology to assist and enable people with sight loss as they plan and undertake journeys in the city. The demonstrator technology has been tested on a route from Reading to London. This included walking to a bus stop, catching a bus to Reading rail station, navigating the station, catching a train to Paddington and navigating the from the train to the barrier. It also involved a personalised retail experience at a supermarket.
On the journey, a single app provides the user with real-time information about where they are, what’s around them, and transport timetables. The technology seamlessly provides verbal and non-verbal information regarding orientation, navigation and points of interest using a 3D-SoundScape.
The Technology is still only a concept demonstrator, but initial test results show that it helps people with sight loss to feel more competent, autonomous and engaged with their environment, and significantly improved 10 of 17 measures of wellbeing including confidence, relaxation, reassurance, spontaneity, a reduced need for planning journeys and increased awareness of location and surroundings.