A Friendly CityImproving independence of visually impaired persons in using public transport in the city of Łódź by means of a mobile app providing directions and information on local landmarks
psychologist, specializing in human-computer interaction and eye-tracking research
The goal of this collaborative project, carried out by SWPS University and the University of Lodz, is to support the independence of the blind and visually impaired (BVI) persons. The researchers will develop a mobile app, which will help BVI individuals to travel around the city of Łódź.
Research Team Leaders: SWPS University – Professor Krzysztof Krejtz, University of Lodz – Professor Aneta Pawłowska.
Project number: DWP/Rzeczy są dla ludzi /675/2021.
The project is carried out in cooperation with the Road and Transportation Authority of the City of Łódź.
Research objectives
The project will help BVI persons to move around the city of Łódź. It will increase social inclusion and improve the quality of life of the BVI people, which is aligned with Poland’s Accessibility Act of 19 July 2019.
One of the assumptions of the “Friendly City” project is its wide implementation, not only downtown Łódź, but also in the whole municipality of Łódź, and other cities.
Research methodology and method of implementation
Researchers from SWPS University and the University of Lodz will use eye-tracking technology to compile necessary data, for example to discern how art history experts and non-experts scan images of architectural objects. They will design a free mobile app that will be compatible with iOS and Android smartphones.
Using the Bluetooth Low Energy technology, a wireless network of battery-operated beacons will be installed at bus stops. The smartphone or smartwatch app, will communicate with the beacons. The signal emitted by the beacons will help BSI persons to locate the bus stops. Additionally, voice instructions will provide users with the information concerning the location of to the nearest bus stops and pedestrian crossings. This practical information will be complemented with specially developed audio descriptions, highlighting0 heritage buildings of architectural and cultural significance in the city.
Gaze visualizations provided by non-experts will be used to guide professional audio describers in shaping more natural, gaze-led narratives of the buildings. All phases of the project will be evaluated by BVI persons.
The app’s interface and the content will be available in Polish, English, Ukrainian, and Spanish.
Research team
Practical application of results
- The project will increase social inclusion and will improve the quality of life of the BVI people.
- The app will also be useful to tourists and seasonal workers (thanks to different language versions).
- Following the rules of universal design, the system will be added to the municipal tourist information.