Navigating a bustling city can be particularly challenging for visually impaired individuals. It can feel like decoding a maze without a map.
From silent crossings to hidden obstacles and poorly marked public spaces, urban environments often alienate those who rely on non-visual cues, such as sound, touch, or assistive technology.
Tools like maps, apps, landmarks, and directional cues help normal users in accessing spatial information, but exclude visually impaired individuals.
Visually impaired users usually come under three categories, which are:
- Blind individuals who have no functional vision and rely entirely on non-visual cues.
- Low vision users have partial sight, can detect shapes or light, but struggle with details.
- Legally blind individuals may have some usable vision, but they still face challenges.
This initiative by Aadesh and Viresh reimagines accessibility by blending empathy, technology, and real-world insight.
Problem Statement
- Most public spaces lack consistent voice announcements or sound-based signals at crossings, stations or buildings.
- Unexpected obstacles, such as poles, parked bikes, open drains, and uneven surfaces, pose safety risks.
Both Android and iOS provide built-in screen readers that visually impaired users rely on, TalkBack and VoiceOver, respectively. These tools utilise gestures such as swiping left or right, single taps, and double taps to navigate and interact with digital content non-visually.
However, in real-world navigation scenarios, users often avoid using handheld devices due to concerns about safety, practicality, and sensory overload.
Solutions
The problem statement posed a unique design constraint: how do we deliver real-time information and assistance without requiring constant screen interaction?
Some products, such as OrCam MyEye Pro, We Walk Smart Cane, and Jyoti AI, have addressed this challenge.
However, there are still gaps in adoption and affordability. So we, at Yellow Slice, decided to create a companion app that can be used in combination with these products and aid in aspects such as,
- Initial device setup and onboarding with an accessible UX.
- Define preset safe routes from home to the station or work using the app.
- Audio onboarding can help them personalise: speed of voice, volume, language, etc.
- A dashboard to track users’ location (with consent), receive SOS alerts, and help users plan journeys.
Expected Outcome
- Reduced reliance on constant screen interaction gives greater confidence and safety.
- Visually impaired people will find it easy to navigate and move from one place to another.
- Adoption rates are expected to increase due to the app’s focus on affordability and simplicity.
