Project - WearIT@Work -- Wearable computing
Empowering independent navigation through user-centred wearable technology for the visually impaired.
- Financed by
- FP6 - 6th Framework Programme
- Duration
- Keywords
- Transport Accessibility
Overview
uWEAR was a take-up project building on the WearIT@Work platform to explore how wearable computing could support navigation for visually impaired users in everyday indoor and outdoor environments. Rather than replacing existing assistive tools such as white canes or guide dogs, the project aimed to augment them through unobtrusive, user-centred wearable technologies.
Inspired by Zaphod Beeblebrox, a character of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams we designed an assistive audio menu and instructions to help navigate complex information spaces.
IN2 led the design and implementation work, adapting and extending WearIT@Work components into an integrated navigation system. This included defining the overall system architecture, integrating hardware and software modules, and developing audio-based user interfaces optimised for non-visual interaction. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that information could be accessed efficiently while users remained fully aware of their surroundings.
A core contribution of IN2 was the user-centred design process, organising and executing multiple rounds ofuser testing with visually impaired participants. Feedback from these tests directly informed iterative refinements to interaction models, audio menus, wearable speakers, and gesture- and voice-based controls, ensuring the system matched real user needs, preferences, and constraints.
The project demonstrated that wearable navigation systems, when carefully designed around accessibility, comfort, privacy, and usability, can significantly increase independence and confidence for visually impaired users. uWEAR delivered validated design guidelines, tested prototypes, and a solid foundation for future assistive wearable solutions and broader inclusive navigation technologies.
Alongside IN2 as the Coordinator, Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht from The Netherlands, formed the uWEAR partnership.
Our role
- Work Package Management
- Wearable computing system design
- Accessibility-driven interaction design
- Audio-based user interfaces
- Assistive navigation technologies
- Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation
- Pilots and Applications with the project's end users
