Without sight, playing a team sport is nearly impossible, but thanks to the Sound of Football project, visually impaired people may now be able to play soccer by listening to sound cues.
If it sounds incredible, it is. The Sound of Football project, an initiative between Åkestam Holst and Society 46 and funded by the Pepsi Refresh project, brought visually impaired soccer players together to play a match, with each wearing an iPhone on their heads that was equipped to let them "see" via sounds. Essentially, through a tracking technology that involves 16 3D cameras that record the position of each player, the iPhone tells players exactly where the other players are on the field. Ellen Sundh, the creative technologist at Society 46, says that "each player can hear what’s happening and get a sense of distance between things."
While the Sound of Football project is being applied to soccer at the moment, there’s no telling where this technology can go. Åkestam Holst and Society 46 are already looking at ways it can extend to other sports, such as skiing.
Sightless Soccer
The ‘Sound of Football' Project Helps Blind People Play Via Sound Cue
Trend Themes
1. Audio-based Sports - Using sound cues in team sports to enable participation for visually impaired individuals.
2. Tracking Technology - Utilizing 3D camera tracking technology to enhance gameplay experiences.
3. Expanding Applications - Exploring the adaptation of this technology for other sports and activities beyond soccer.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Technology - Developing innovative solutions to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of sports for all individuals.
2. Assistive Technology - Creating advanced technologies that improve the daily lives and capabilities of people with disabilities.
3. Recreation and Leisure - Integrating technology-driven experiences into recreational and leisure activities to enhance engagement and enjoyment.