1. Challenge
The ViiBus project was developed to address the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in navigating public transportation, specifically in identifying bus lines and boarding. This system aims to enhance their autonomy and accessibility during their daily commutes, which are often fraught with difficulties in locating and boarding buses.
2. Strategic Impact
- Facilitated independence for individuals with visual impairments, allowing for easier navigation of public transport systems.
- Positioned ViiBus as an innovative solution in the realm of smart cities, integrating accessibility features that promote inclusivity in urban environments.
- Established partnerships with transportation agencies and advocacy groups, enhancing community engagement and advocacy for accessible public transport.
3. How I Made It Happen
- Conducted user interviews and field studies to gather insights from visually impaired individuals, identifying their specific challenges and needs related to public transportation.
- Applied design thinking methodologies to create a user-centered approach, ensuring that the solution was tailored to the real-world experiences of visually impaired users.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including engineers and designers, to develop and test prototypes, iterating based on user feedback to refine the application’s functionality and usability.
4. Tools and Methodologies
- Internet of Things
- Python
- Raspberry Pi
- User Research
- Design Thinking
- Agile Development
- Prototyping Tools
5. Key Achievements
a. Successful User Engagement:
Measured by: Positive feedback and high engagement levels during usability testing sessions.
Action:Developed a series of prototypes that were tested with visually impaired users, leading to significant improvements in user satisfaction and navigation efficiency.
b. Integration of Smart Technology:
Measured by: Successful deployment of the ViiBus proof of concept, demonstrating real-time interaction with users using Internet of Things concept.
Action: Implemented low-power wireless technology to provide real-time information on approaching buses, enhancing the commuting experience for visually impaired individuals.
c. Recognition and Awards:
Measured by: Winning the Cisco Urban Innovation Challenge, which recognized ViiBus as a leading solution for smart city initiatives.
Action: Presented the ViiBus project at various conferences and workshops, showcasing its potential impact on urban accessibility.
d. Media Coverage:
Measured by: Featured in multiple national media outlets, increasing awareness and visibility of the ViiBus project.
Action:Successfully secured media coverage in major publications and news platforms, highlighting the project’s impact and contributions to accessibility solutions.
6. Key Differentiation
- Focused on creating an inclusive solution that not only addresses the needs of visually impaired individuals but also promotes broader accessibility in public transport.
- Integrated advanced technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, to enhance the functionality of public transportation systems.
- Maintained a strong user-centered approach throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that the solution was continuously refined based on real user feedback and experiences.
