Tori Jakpa
Monaami Pal
Interviewer
Secondary and Primary Researcher
UX Designer
Video Editor and Narrator
3 months
Figma
Miro
FigJam
Microsoft Forms
Problem Frame
BoilerNav addresses this pressing issue by offering a solution specifically tailored for Purdue University students with disabilities. The application aims to provide quick and efficient routes to class, acknowledging the importance of timely arrival for all students. BoilerNav not only saves time and reduces stress for students with disabilities but also fosters independence, confidence, and inclusivity in their daily educational experiences.
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The development of this app uses ROS (Robot Optimization System), which plays a pivotal role in addressing the unique needs of this user group. The ROS gathers comprehensive information regarding frequently traversed pathways, academic buildings, and key campus destinations by utilizing advanced scanning and data collection techniques. However, we solely focused on the user interface aspect of this app.
Background
Navigation poses a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities, despite advancements in research and technology. Economic disparities contribute to unequal access to assistive technologies, limiting the independence and opportunities for people with disabilities. Unlike their non-disabled peers who can navigate obstacles efficiently, students with disabilities face unique challenges that impact their ability to access educational opportunities.
User Group
To comprehend the navigation landscape at Purdue University, we initially conducted primary research by interviewing Purdue's Disability Resource Center (DRC). Subsequently, we extended our reach to all students through an open-ended survey distributed across various platforms, including Purdue's Reddit Channel, and Purdue Disabled Student Union's GroupMe and Discord Channel. This multi-faceted approach allowed us to gather comprehensive insights from both institutional perspectives and firsthand experiences within the disabled student community.
Findings
The insights gained from a counselor at DRC revealed challenges faced by students with disabilities, including limited real-time email access, concerns about incidents indoors and outdoors, and issues related to snow and construction updates. While Purdue's accessibility map is a valuable resource, its exclusive availability on a website or through print-outs poses a challenge for students who need frequent access. Additionally, popular outdoor navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps face limitations for indoor navigation, disadvantaging students with disabilities who rely on these technologies.
Ideation
Our ideation process began with a dedicated focus on enhancing accessibility at Purdue University. We shaped our themes around four major aspects, catering to a range of disabilities. This included addressing sensitivity issues for individuals on the autism spectrum, accommodating cognitive disabilities affecting route memory, and considering conditions such as ADHD, photosensitivity, sensory issues, and fatigue from conditions like multiple sclerosis.
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The outcome of this process is a feature-rich app designed to meet diverse needs. It boasts customizable preferences, real-time alerts, and seamless compatibility with assistive technologies. The app operates in offline mode, ensuring functionality in areas with poor network connectivity, and provides real-time navigation with voice guidance. Users have the flexibility to explore accessible paths to various campus locations, with the added convenience of incorporating stops and integration with Purdue's campus maps.
Users reach the destination, the app tells them how to navigate to the specific room
Accessible Guidance and Navigation
Compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Real-time navigation with voice-guided directions.
Integration with Purdue's campus maps.
Provide Support and Inclusive Routes
Some people on the spectrum have:sensitivity issues (a quiet, less busy route to class)
Multiple sclerosis which can cause fatigue (Purdue is a big campus!)
User-Centric Customization
Adding Stops similar to uber
Offline mode for areas with poor network connectivity.
Alerts for elevator outages, construction, or other obstacles.
Customizable routes based on user preferences and needs.
Inclusive Community Support Hub
allows users to seek advice and ask questions about navigating campus with disabilities.
Community where users can share their experiences and offer guidance.
Foster a sense of empowerment by promoting knowledge-sharing within the community.
Encourage a sense of belonging and community bonding through shared experiences.
Solution
BoilerNav offers a community and guide to navigate Purdue University's campus. Users can share experiences, customize navigation according to their disabilities, and access features like real-time navigation, alerts for obstacles, and an offline mode. The app consolidates accessibility features, such as self-reporting issues and accommodation requests, into one platform.
Sketches
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Final Design Demo Video
Next Steps
The next steps for BoilerNav encompass:
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Expanded Disability Options:
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Introduce a wider range of disability options to cater to diverse needs.
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Customizable Color Schemes:
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Develop personalized color options to improve usability for colorblind users.
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Further Development to Discussion Forum:
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Enhance and expand the features of the existing discussion forum.
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Integration of Additional Campus Information:
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Include information on recreational spaces to enrich the overall campus experience.
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Continuous Accessibility Testing:
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Maintain a commitment to ongoing testing to identify and address any limitations, ensuring BoilerNav remains at the forefront of accessibility.
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Limitations
BoilerNav faces challenges in three key areas:
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Data Accessibility:
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The core functionality relies on the ROS (Robot Optimization System) for collecting extensive campus data, but integrating this aspect poses challenges due to a lack of expertise.
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Limited User Feedback Opportunity:
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Time constraints have made gathering user input challenging, hindering the iterative refinement of the app based on user suggestions. A larger user base is essential for enhancing overall user-friendliness.
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Adherence to University Guidelines:
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Ensuring alignment with university policies is imperative, covering data privacy, accessibility, and campus mapping regulations. Compliance with these guidelines is essential for the app's continued success.
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Awards and Publications
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BoilerNav was showcased as one of the chosen projects at Purdue University's Fractal 2024. Fractal is an annual student-led student work showcase and competition for computer graphics projects.
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Entered into Purdue Innovated, a graduate research magazine. Their mission is to showcase the influential and inspirational graduate research
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Undergoing IRB Review.