The Asovi System: Towards a solution for indoor orientation and wayfinding for the visually impaired

Wireless communication technology is currently an expanding resource from which solutions into indoor orientation and wayfinding for the visually impaired can be explored. However, as a technology in its infancy a prevalent system in the field has yet to be established. Further to this, the potential of combining wireless communication technology with a commercially viable interface capable of providing feedback for the end user is as yet unexplored. Research in current wireless and mobile technology combined with acquired knowledge of wayfinding for the visually impaired has culminated in the development of a new system seeking to maximise the potential of technology in the field. Testing with visually impaired participants and subsequent focus group discussion suggests that the ASOVI (Audio Based Spatial Orientation for the Visually Impaired) system is a viable solution to indoor orientation and wayfinding for the visually impaired capable of providing feedback to the end user via a commercially viable platform.