The inspiration for Seekr Navigation stemmed from extensive research focused on airport navigation challenges faced by the visually impaired. Traditional navigation aids often fall short in large, intricate spaces with predominant visual cues. Seekr addresses this gap by offering a hands-free, audio-guided experience tailored to such environments’ unique layouts and services. “We aim to empower blind and low vision individuals to navigate airports independently, confidently, and efficiently, enhancing their travel experience and overall accessibility,” says Mead.
The system operates through a user-friendly app with precise, step-by-step audio directions. This precision is achieved by installing small, battery-powered beacons throughout a building, enabling the app to guide users to their destinations with centimeter-level accuracy. Seekr is currently in the prototyping phase, partnering with CODA Tech Square and implementing its technology on two floors of the building. This setup is a demonstration ground to showcase the system’s capabilities and effectiveness.
While the primary focus is on aiding the blind and visually impaired, Seekr’s navigation solution offers benefits that extend to a broader audience, including the elderly, foreign language speakers, and first-time visitors in complex environments. This inclusivity aligns with the “curb cut effect,” a phenomenon where accessibility features for a specific group benefit a wider population. For instance, curb cuts in sidewalks, initially created for wheelchair users, have proven advantageous for parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and even skateboarders. Similarly, Seekr’s technology has the potential to assist anyone who may find navigating large public spaces challenging.
The potential applications for Seekr’s technology are vast, encompassing airports, amusement parks, hotels, grocery stores, cruises, malls, stadiums, event spaces, educational institutions, mixed-use developments, and parking garages. By improving accessibility in these areas, Seekr enhances the user experience and enables businesses to provide excellent service, reduce complaints, and expand their customer base.
Looking ahead, Seekr aims to leverage its prototype in the Coda Building to secure partnerships for broader implementation. By demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in a real-world setting, it hopes to attract collaborations with various public spaces, ultimately making navigation more accessible and intuitive for all individuals.
Seekr Navigation represents a significant advancement in accessibility technology, offering a practical solution to the navigation challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals. Through precise, audio-based guidance, Seekr empowers users to navigate public spaces independently, fostering inclusivity and enhancing the overall experience for diverse individuals.
For a visual demonstration of Seekr Navigation’s technology, click here.