Outdoor-navigation in public spaces for the elderly visually impaired

Sammanfattning: The elderly visually impaired is not only a neglected user group within interaction design but also a large one in our society. Within this user group, I discovered that they do not get enough exercise because of their inability to move in public spaces without feeling unsafe. To feel safe, they would have to use both their rollator and their white cane at the same time; an impossibility. This paradoxical issue brings forth design opportunities of both physical artifacts with combined effectiveness of a white cane and a rollator. Also, it includes an exploration with a user-centered design approach on how haptic feedback could help them navigate. Haptics being the suitable alternative for a non-visual interaction. An add-on attached to the existing rollator with sensors and haptic feedback would enhance the feeling safety of an elderly visually impaired and would enable them to move in public spaces to get their exercise.