Accessible Wheelchair Navigation in Urban Public Spaces

Abstract

This project explores how individuals in wheelchairs navigate urban spaces within Vancouver and what barriers they encounter when accessibility information is inaccurate or hard to find. Through interviews with subject matter experts, various organisations, and people with lived experience, we explore how people plan trips, make decisions on the go, and cope when routes or destinations turn out to be less accessible than expected. 

Building on these research insights, we are reimagining accessibility for Google Maps and designing what an improved experience would look like for individuals in wheelchairs. Our poster will share key takeaways from our research activities including common information gaps in navigation apps and the physical, emotional, and cognitive burdens caused by misinformation. We will also highlight design opportunities for navigation tools, focusing on how better accessibility details, trust signals, and support features could make it easier and less stressful for individuals in wheelchairs to explore the city independently. 

In addition to presenting our findings, we will show concept designs that illustrate how these improved accessibility features could look like and function within Google Maps, demonstrating how navigation can become more inclusive and trustworthy.