How Digital Tools Help People with Special Needs Navigate Physical Spaces?
Digital Bridge to an Accessible World - Our Work in the Access4You Project
Accessibility of the built environment is crucial for people with special needs. Digital representation of accessibility information creates new opportunities to support the mobility of those affected. In this article, we present how we supported the Access4You team in developing a system that connects physical and digital spaces.
The Importance of Prior Knowledge of Physical Spaces
For people with visual and hearing impairments, mobility restrictions, the elderly, and families with young children, using public spaces often presents challenges. Research shows that having appropriate information in advance can significantly increase the mobility and social participation of people with special needs.
Critical characteristics of physical spaces include:
Design of accessible entrances
Vertical transportation options
Properly designed restrooms
Info-communication accessibility
Our Contribution to the Access4You Project
At Access4You's initiative, we supported the creation of a system that connects the assessment of physical spaces with digital information display. We contributed our expertise to user experience research and supported the development management of both the assessment application and the website designed for people with special needs.
Scientific Approach to the Phygital Concept
The phygital (physical + digital) concept implemented in the project was based on the following principles:
Data-driven standardization - Assessment and evaluation based on objective parameters
Digital representation of spatial information - Structured display of physical environment characteristics
User-centered information architecture - Consideration of specific needs for different types of disabilities
Significance of the System
The system implemented by Access4You, in whose development we participated, represents an important step forward in accessibility:
Empirical data collection - Standardized information in large quantities
Interdisciplinary approach - Combining architecture, information technology, and accessibility
Promoting social inclusion - Improving access to the built environment
The application of the phygital approach in accessibility is an exemplary concept that significantly contributes to promoting the social participation of people with special needs. The connection between physical and digital spaces offers a model that could be adapted to other areas as well.
More: https://access4you.io/hu