Accessibility-Infused Maps

Project Description

In this research, we investigate current methods and tools— both technological and non-technological—that people with impairments use to evaluate the accessibility of the built environment (e.g., streets, businesses) and plan and execute travel. Through participatory design, we actively engage our participants in brainstorming and designing the future of what we call assistive location-based technologies (ALTs)—location-based technologies that specifically incorporate accessibility features to help people with impairments explore, search, and navigate the physical world. Thus far, we have primarily focused on people with mobility impairments but the research agenda is much broader and impacts people of all abilities (sensory, cognitive, and physical). In our CHI'16 paper, we explored: What modern technologies do people with mobility impairments use to evaluate the accessibility of the built environment? What role does technology have in making decisions about travel—both a priori (e.g., when planning) and in situ (e.g., when moving about)? How could future technologies be designed to further improve the way they navigate the physical world? At our CHI'18 SIG, we organized the HCI community to discuss grand challenges and potential solutions under the umbrella of 'inclusive maps.'

Publications

Talks