072 - Wayfindr, RLSB, United Kingdom
C
ONTACT
Royal London Society for Blind People (RLSB)
Ms. Katherine Payne
United Kingdom
www.rlsb.org.uk/wayfindr+44 2078086178
katherine.payne@rlsb.org.ukO
VERALL GOAL
/
MISSION
Emerging technologies such as smart phones and BLE Beacons present the potential of independent navigation for
visually impaired people. A current barrier to truly independent travel is lack of consistent navigation systems. Persons
with limited or no vision navigating in an unfamiliar environment are completely reliant on auditory cures or a sighted
guide for directions. In order to feel confident to travel using a smart phone, clear and consistent directions are
necessary. The implemented system has to provide a high degree of accuracy and directions that are synchronized with
their environment. Therefore the mission of Wayfindr is to create an Open Standard for Sonic Wayfinding. This way the
provided services can be reliable and consistent.
T
HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
In March 2014 the Youth Forum of Vision Impaired Young People released England´s first manifesto which represents
their views and proposals. As a key topic “bringing the community together” was mentioned, being closely related to
the issue of transport and mobility. Wayfindr will empower visually impaired people to move independently through
their environment.
The standard of the product will cover
timing, language and length of messages
directions in synchronization with the environment
recommendations for positioning of beacons in environment
minimum technical standards for beacons
minimum standards for timing of updates by content providers
The network of beacons that Wayfindr is going to improve can also be used by third Parties, as they install the beacons
across their sides. This includes Navigation Service Providers and indoor mapping companies, for example google maps.