About

Navigation apps are not made for the impaired. Space Scout sets out on a mission to change that.

A variety of apps like google maps and waze exist to provide turn-by-turn street directions and maps. But these apps that rely on GPS are seriously lacking when it comes to helping with navigation of indoor spaces. 

It can be extremely difficult for anyone, but especially blind and low-vision people, to navigate an unfamiliar building. Consider the last time you tried to find a new class or meeting in an unfamiliar building, or tried to find a specific store in an unfamiliar mall. Certain types of architecture may need to be explained (what exactly is an atrium?). 

The app may need to explain unexpected numbering of rooms or point out department locations. Consider things like stairs, elevators, bathrooms, and emergency exits. How do we get context in the space? Consider how "you are here" works on a map. Space Scout aims to make spaces more accessible, through voice-reading and visual features, as well as having a multitude of pathway opions for different types of people.

UI/UX Branding

The start of the mission was branding. 

How do I design something that properly conveys the sense of journey that exploring the world can be, in a navigation app? I aimed to make the branding set the tone of the app to be something that could appeal to adult and older audiences, but also those who may be younger and need aids to get directions.

I set to pick fonts that were high contrast with one another, as well as an accessible color scheme that wold allow those visually impaired that need high contrast or different colors to be able to view the app. For those who cannot see, a voice feature with large and clear icons were necessary to the accessibility of the app.

Introducing, Space Scout:




An app that allows you two views: a typical 3rd person view from a top angle, or a first person view where the user can shine their camera in the direction they wish to head in. 

Every piece of direction has audio instructions, as well as a “helping hand” button. These features are for those hearing impaired, as well as those who may be facing some sort of issue throughout their route.

Routes are also not limited to outdoor, but also include inside spaces. In the event that an inside space i not mapped out, the use of the helping hand can connect the user with a person who would be able to help guide them to their destination. The default of the map is a third person view, with the map being a visually calming color palette that still has enough color contrast to be able to see. But, in the case of needing black or white, there is a user survey during the onboarding process that would allow for the map to change into a purely high contrast black and white map, or whatever in between that they are able to use.On the directions, there is a visibly placed hand for help button. This button is a key feature, allowing users to reach out for a “helping hand”. This connects the user to a Space Scout employee, who can audio/video call or chat with the user to help them solve an issue, as well as report any issues the user may be experiencing.

Don’t believe us? Test it out.





Find your place.

Final Screens



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