Wayfindr app helps the blind navigate the London underground

The app was developed in collaboration with global digital product design studio ustwo . The London transport terminals are already equipped with iBeacon technology which helps the app to guide users from point a to b via their smartphones and bone-conducting earphones.

In order to prevent the youngsters for investing in a bespoke system, ustwo used off-the-shelf technology which is already built in many smartphones; Bluetooth Low Energy technology.

Although half of the estimated 9.000 visually impaired young Londoners feel confident using the London tube system, there is still another half who find it difficult to feel comfortable travelling by public transport.

Sixteen beacons have been installed at Pimlico station, which are now being used to test the app amongst young visually impaired Londoners. The aim is to investigate how audio wayfinding could work across the network, how the visually impaired can navigate the London Underground independently, and how beacons work within the architecture of the Tube around large numbers of people.

The app currently talks the user through the station using directions triggered by the beacons. They are guided around the ticket hall, down escalators and stairs, and safely onto the platform.

Director London Underground’s of Customer Strategy Mark Evers said:

“We are delighted to be able to support this trial, which has developed directly from the desire of young visually impaired people to get around on their own. While we have staff at all Tube stations to assist people whenever they need, we’re always keen to see how technology and innovation can help open up and make our networks more accessible. As well as testing an exciting new technology, the trial is giving us valuable information to help us understand and design for the future needs of our visually impaired customers.”

Below video explains the whole concept of Wayfindr: