waytoB

What it does

waytoB is a smartphone and smartwatch solution to enable people with intellectual disabilities (ID) to navigate by themselves. It aims to aid people who are currently excluded from activities in society to integrate seamlessly and to become more independent.

Your inspiration

The project started in 2014 when the applicants were students taking part of a renowned module in TCD called Innovation in Product Development. We were given a challenge to ‘integrate people with intellectual disabilities into society’. From our initial research, one recurring issue stood out: difficulty finding their way around. The lack of this ability, which is taken for granted daily by the mainstream population, prevents a large number of people from being independent, even in adulthood. We are passionate about solving this issue because we truly believe having an independent life is a fundamental right that everyone should have.

How it works

The solution is divided in two sides, one for the individual with ID and one for their carer, who customizes the routes. It provides the following innovative features: - A highly simplified and intuitive interface on a smartwatch for the caree, connected to a carer app, which allows pre-agreed information to be shared - Turn-by-turn directions (arrows and audio) based on the user’s orientation and prompted by vibration or audio cue - Walking instructions integrated with public transport - Live tracking the user’s location, heart rate and battery usage by the carer - Notifications to the carer triggered by key journey events - Accessible panic button to easily initiate contact between connected pair - Sharing of information on the platform: popular routes, points of interest, crossings, dangerous zones, construction warnings, etc. - Activity reports of the user containing key performance measures such as distance walked, calories burnt and number of journeys

Design process

A user-centered design approach was carried out to address the issue, which involves identifying the user’s need as a starting point and creating a multitude of prototypes to test different concepts. Based on interviews and direct observation, it was concluded that people with ID don't go to places by themselves for three reasons: the lack of ability of the individual with ID to use the solutions available to them, their increased vulnerability compared to the general population and the protectiveness of their families. To address these, a first concept was created: a wearable solution that aims to provide accessible and easy-to-understand prompts, reducing the user’s vulnerability and providing peace of mind for caregivers by allowing them to track the user’s location and heart rate. In the initial stages, crude prototypes were developed to validate the critical functionality and experience. These involved using simple resources like mock ups on a smartphone and an Arduino board. By the time we had a more robust concept, a smartphone and smartwatch platform was developed and a pilot trial was conducted with five pairs, each composed of an individual with ID and a carer. The feedback from the testers and the data collected were used as guidance for the improvement of the solution

How it is different

Navigation tools that are currently available are not appropriate for this user group due to their complicated interface, lack of safety for the user, and lack of reassurance for their family. Unlike competing solutions, waytoB offers unique value in the form of: - Peace of mind and reassurance for family members at all times, through live tracking of the user’s location, heart rate and battery life, as well as notifications about their well-being - Reduced vulnerability and increased safety as a result of the use of the smartwatch - Easiness to use as the solution calculates its prompts based on real time data from the user's orientation - Increased confidence for the user to navigate alone as there’s no need for them to orient themselves on a map - Solution accessible for individuals who are illiterate, have visual impairments, and/or mobility issues - Deeper knowledge and understanding of the user’s health through reports with key performance measures

Future plans

The solution is currently being tested by a number of target users and their carers in Dublin, Ireland. It is being improved daily based on feedback and data collected from logs. The plan is to expand testing to other countries, initially the UK and the US. Some functionalities have also not yet been fully implemented, such as public transport and activity reports. Once the solution is ready, its impact is proven in a larger scale and the it has been rigorously tested in diverse situations, it will be made available for use. Partnerships with service providers for people with ID are already taking place, which will facilitate its reach.

Awards

- Dean’s Research Initiative Fund: Trinity College Dublin (2015) - Universal Design Grand Challenge: People's Choice Award (2016) - Social Entrepreneurs Ireland: The Academy (2017)