Low vision has been a prevalent and progressive condition throughout history, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Currently, there are approximately 257 million people who are visually impaired. This impairment can be congenital or degenerative, and while certain treatments like cataract and corneal operations exist, they remain prohibitively expensive for many.

Blind and visually impaired individuals have consistently voiced concerns about the lack of adaptation to their disability, often experiencing anxiety about external hazards and limited accessibility despite existing urbanization standards. They rely on their other senses, such as hearing and touch, to navigate their surroundings. Many visually impaired individuals use a white cane that vibrates when in contact with the ground or rely on guide dogs or human companions for assistance.

In their daily lives, blind and visually impaired individuals establish routines for mobility, commuting to work, and visiting shops, relying on familiar routes they have memorized. While they strive for independence, they often miss out on leisure activities that individuals with sight enjoy.

Through conversations with a visually impaired association, we were able to identify and document the dissatisfactions they face in their daily lives and their desires for improvements. Urban furniture and infrastructure are often not adapted, with diminishing variations in ground textures that complicate their navigation and diminish their sense of touch.

They experience fear in crowded areas, on roads, and particularly from cyclists whom they perceive as disrespectful. Additionally, they lack confidence when it comes to payment systems and prefer not to depend on others. In our meetings, we also asked them a crucial question: Are they willing to embrace technological and connected devices if they could enhance their safety and independence? Remarkably, 86% responded with a resounding yes.

With this project, our objective is to address the mobility challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments in urban areas. We aim to improve their travel experiences through intelligent guidance systems tailored to their specific needs and desires, prioritizing their comfort, fairness, and freedom.