Smart Walking Stick – Enhanced & IoT Connected
Project Summary
Design Problem & My Role
The Design Process
Conclusion
The SDP2 project improved on our previous prototype by developing a higher-fidelity Smart Walking Stick with IoT integration. Our goal was to develop the stick into a connected device capable of syncing with a smartphone app, delivering voice navigation, and enabling social interaction with others. The project explored how tactile interaction and digital technology could collaborate to assist visually impaired individuals.
The SDP2 project presented us with an opportunity to enhance the smart walking stick in both functionality and user experience. By incorporating digital components like as Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, and mobile app interaction, the design was made more diverse and inclusive to users with visual impairments.
This phase emphasized the value of inclusive, user-centered thinking in UX design and demonstrated how technology can improve accessibility. Overall, SDP2 project set the framework for developing fully functional, interactive assistive technologies for diverse users.
While SDP1 focused on physical and sensory feedback, SDP2 project attempted to improve the user experience by taking in IOT connectivity while incorporating a social component.
My role included adjusting sensory features including tactile and auditory feedback, as well as contributing to the concept of the connected mobile app. I helped design the GPS-enabled navigation, step tracking, and Bluetooth connectivity page for the app wireframe. I also helped to visualize how the stick may interact with users in real-world scenarios, such as through communicated cues and interactive digital elements.
The enhanced design for the smart walking stick maintained the physical structure of the stick but we added some new features:
LED lights for visual alerts
Clay base for tactile feedback through vibrations
Speakers to deliver GPS or app-based navigation through audio
Bluetooth connection for syncing with a mobile app
We proposed an app that would allow users to:
Receive GPS guidance (like Google Maps).
Hear directions directly through the stick.
Track walking steps and set goals for the day.
Connect socially with other users through the app (inspired by apps like Pikmin Bloom)
Prototype Pictures
Reflection
Our accomplishment was that we developed a prototype that had technological features like IoT connectivity such as Bluetooth, GPS, app syncing, and audio navigation.
Our challenges was that technological delivery remained speculative due to limited resources, app functionality and connectivity could not be thoroughly verified, and there was insufficient time for real world testing.
We addressed this challenge by designing mockups and wireframes for the mobile app, as well as ideas for step tracking, voice-guided navigation, and social networking options.
Some things that worked for us that the combination of physical and digital features was appropriate to user centred objectives, enhancing the stick's usefulness.
Some aspects that did not work for us were due to budget constraints some of the electronic components were not shown properly which made the experience more theoretical.
We learnt that when designing related experiences it is necessary to do planning, cross-platform thinking, and thoughtful consideration of user demands.
SDP2 helped me develop my skills in combining physical concepts with digital interaction, which shaped my approach to accessible UX design.
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Harpuneet Bhatia © 2024