Google Maps Now Tells Users About Accessibility
Joey Haar — December 23, 2016 — Social Good
References: businessinsider
Google Maps is one of the most popular apps for both navigating and getting information on various local businesses, so the new wheelchair accessibility feature is an acknowledgement of the wide range of people who use the app. The wheelchair accessibility feature lets users know whether the business they are looking into includes amenities for those in wheelchairs.
To see the new feature, users first select any business on Google Maps, from restaurants to retailers and anything else. They tap the "About" tab in the top right corner, which has always included important information regarding the business. That page will now feature an "Amenities" column which will include whether the business is wheelchair accessible. This information will be gleaned through crowdsourcing data from users.
The hope is that such a feature will not only make planning excursions easier for those in wheelchairs, but it will also encourage business to contribute to making public spaces more accessible overall.
To see the new feature, users first select any business on Google Maps, from restaurants to retailers and anything else. They tap the "About" tab in the top right corner, which has always included important information regarding the business. That page will now feature an "Amenities" column which will include whether the business is wheelchair accessible. This information will be gleaned through crowdsourcing data from users.
The hope is that such a feature will not only make planning excursions easier for those in wheelchairs, but it will also encourage business to contribute to making public spaces more accessible overall.
Trend Themes
1. Crowdsourced Accessibility Data - Crowdsourcing data on accessibility features has the potential to improve the lives of people with disabilities and increase public awareness.
2. Mobile App Accessibility Features - Businesses and innovators can capitalize on the trend of adding accessibility features to their mobile apps to increase the inclusivity and usability of their products.
3. Social Impact Crowdsourcing - Using crowdsourced data to address social issues such as accessibility can be a powerful way to drive positive change in local communities and beyond.
Industry Implications
1. Tech - Technology companies can develop new tools and features to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, creating a more inclusive user experience for all.
2. Retail - Retail businesses can invest in making their stores and online shopping experiences more accessible to people with disabilities to increase customer loyalty and attract new customers.
3. Hospitality - Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses can improve their accessibility features and advertise them via crowdsourced maps to attract customers with disabilities and increase customer satisfaction.
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