This App Makes Walk Signals Accessible for the Visually Impaired
Katherine Pendrill — August 14, 2015 — Tech
References: indiegogo & fastcoexist
'SeeLight' is a new app that makes walk signals safer and more accessible for the visually impaired. While audible traffic signals do exist, this kind of technology is not available in all cities. SeeLight helps blind users better navigate city streets by letting them know when it is safe to cross the road.
The innovative app relies on a combination of government information and corwdsourced data to determine the length of each traffic light. Users who wish to contribute to SeeLight can simply point their smartphone at a traffic light and the app will calculate how long a signal takes to change. Based on this data, the app can provide audible walk signals for those who are blind or visually impaired.
While many cities are trying to make their streets safer and more accessible, this mobile platform calls on local people to help speed up the process of change.
The innovative app relies on a combination of government information and corwdsourced data to determine the length of each traffic light. Users who wish to contribute to SeeLight can simply point their smartphone at a traffic light and the app will calculate how long a signal takes to change. Based on this data, the app can provide audible walk signals for those who are blind or visually impaired.
While many cities are trying to make their streets safer and more accessible, this mobile platform calls on local people to help speed up the process of change.
Trend Themes
1. Accessible Traffic Signals - The trend of creating more accessible traffic signals for the visually impaired via the use of technology and government data could lead to further innovation in the field of smart cities.
2. Crowdsourced Data Collection - The trend of using crowdsourced data to improve accessibility technology could be applied to other fields such as education or healthcare.
3. Mobile Platform for Safety - The trend of using mobile platforms to increase safety for vulnerable populations could be expanded to include other safety measures in public spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Smart Cities - This technology can be incorporated into smart city planning to improve accessibility and safety for vulnerable populations.
2. Education Technology - Crowdsourced data collection could revolutionize how technology is implemented in classrooms and improve accessibility for all students.
3. Public Safety - Mobile platforms can be used to provide additional safety measures in public spaces beyond traffic signals, such as emergency alerts or location tracking.
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