Accessible Navigation
The research project focuses on improving the navigation experience for visually impaired individuals at the State Library of Victoria. It aims to develop an interactive, real-time system that guides users autonomously through the library, reducing dependence on assistive devices.
Project Background
Design Goals
The research project focuses on improving the navigation experience for visually impaired individuals at the State Library of Victoria. It aims to develop an interactive, real-time system that guides users autonomously through the library, reducing dependence on assistive devices.
What problem do the blind have in the Victoria Library？
We have some time got the position. How we do that?
We basically have assistive thing for the people with who needs special assistance. If people who apply, we have special something that, like, kind of has the headphone on that, and they basically will read it for you and the people who basically has vision impairment, we basically have kind of, like, giant magnifier glass that, like, kind of, it's this size, and then you put it on the book, and it will basically enlarge it so people can use that,
Special equipment area: central camera + high contrast keyboard + headphone voice feedback + height adjustable table Exclusive video/column: used to introduce the entire library. These reflect the library's emphasis on barrier-free services, but what you want to further optimize now is the "in-library navigation experience", providing users with active, real-time, and interactive guidance. Design goal: mprove the "autonomous navigation ability" of visually impaired people in the library, from "depending on equipment" to "actively identifying space".
Research
Lack of Real-Time Orientation: At the entrance, there's no audio guidance or tactile map to help users understand the spatial layout.
Inaccessible Facilities: Reception counters are too high, making it hard to locate staff without assistance. Stairs lack tactile warnings or audio alerts,making them dangerous and hard to detect. Reading areas have a flexible, crowded layout that’s confusing to navigate without visual cues. Special collections and multimedia sections are heavily text- or screen-based, with little to no audio or tactile support.
Limited Signage and Navigation Aids: Braille signage exists only near elevators—not on walls or stairs. Tactile floor indicators are minimal and only appear near stairs and elevators. QR codes are present, but there are no NFC tags or integrated audio feedback systems in place.
Digital Gaps:The library app lacks indoor navigation or audio descriptions. There is no system allowing blind users to independently locate key areas (toilets, elevators, book
sections, etc.)
Over-Reliance on Human Help: Blind users often rely on staff assistance or library-provided tools,which limits their independence.
how to get + how to watch + how to communicate
NFC physical tag navigation system: Installed in key locations: such as entrances, elevators, braille book areas, restrooms, service desks, etc.Users only need to place their phones close to the NFC tag to trigger voice or vibration prompts (current location + direction guidance) Can be used with headphones for private voice navigation
Library exclusive App: Linked with NFC, provides route planning functions (such as "from
the entrance to the disabled restroom") Supports voice search, such as "Where is the braille book section?" Can integrate existing library content (such as equipment introduction videos, service reservations, etc.)
Library exclusive braille card: This card provides initial direction recognition and tactile assistance
for visually impaired readers, guiding users to use NFC and library apps. The physical card contains both Braille and relief graphics)
