As technology continues to advance at an alarmingly quick pace, it's clear that there are some groups of people being left in the dust -- of course not intentionally. Conversant Labs hopes to help one such group. This firm focuses on the visually impaired and their lack of engagement with smartphone apps. Conversant Labs initially created a shopping app, SayShopping, that was driving by voice commands.
Now Conversant Labs has developed a software kit to help app developers make their products accessible to the visually impaired. Dubbed the SayKit software development kit (SDK), may move away from the company's own foray into developing such products but it serves a larger purpose. Being sold as "technology as a service," SayKit will be released for iOS systems, which happens to be the platform of choice for the visually impaired.
Visually Impaired Smartphone Apps
Conversant Labs Helps Make Technology More Accessible for Blind
Trend Themes
1. Accessible Smartphone Apps - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop mobile apps that are designed with accessibility features to cater to the visually impaired market.
2. Voice Command Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore voice command technology as a means of interaction for visually impaired users, expanding its use beyond just smartphones.
3. Technology for Inclusive Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create inclusive design technologies that cater to the needs of individuals with different disabilities, enhancing accessibility across industries.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile App Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Merge accessibility and mainstream mobile app development to create inclusive apps that reach a wider user base.
2. Speech Recognition Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leverage speech recognition technology in industries like healthcare, automotive, and customer service to provide seamless interactions for visually impaired individuals.
3. Assistive Technologies - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new assistive technologies that can enhance the lives of visually impaired individuals, such as wearable devices and navigation systems.