Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BlindLook (Audio simulation technology to make any product and services accessible for the blind and visually impaired)
Reporting period: 2023-08-01 to 2024-04-30
Context and Overall Objectives BlindLook's project tackles the challenge faced by 30 million blind and partially sighted individuals in Europe who are excluded from society due to non-inclusive design. With 80% of information being visual, these individuals face barriers to independence. BlindLook aims to create a 100% audio-oriented, accessible living space using advanced Audio Simulation Technology integrated with screen readers like Voiceover, Talkback, and Jaws.
Motivation and Problems Addressed BlindLook aims to bridge the accessibility gap for visually impaired individuals, often overlooked by traditional design. This exclusion affects daily life activities such as banking, e-commerce, and home activities. The solution transforms visual information into audio guidance, enabling independent interaction with products and services.
Expected Impact
Enhanced Independence: Over 300,000 visually impaired individuals use the technology across 5 e-commerce platforms, 16 financial institutions, and 7 home appliances brands.
Increased Accessibility: Identified 3,000 accessibility issues and resolved over 1,000 across 60+ brands.
Societal Inclusion: Improved accessibility fosters greater societal inclusion, allowing fuller participation in economic, social, and cultural activities.
Economic Benefits: Companies adopting this technology can reach a wider customer base, increasing market opportunities and revenue.
Role of Social Sciences and Humanities Integrating social sciences and humanities ensures a holistic approach, understanding social dynamics and cultural contexts to meet the specific needs of visually impaired individuals.
Significance of Expected Impacts The project aims to transform the lives of visually impaired individuals by making products and services accessible, setting a precedent for broader accessibility and inclusion.
Motivation and Problems Addressed BlindLook aims to bridge the accessibility gap for visually impaired individuals, often overlooked by traditional design. This exclusion affects daily life activities such as banking, e-commerce, and home activities. The solution transforms visual information into audio guidance, enabling independent interaction with products and services.
Expected Impact
Enhanced Independence: Over 300,000 visually impaired individuals use the technology across 5 e-commerce platforms, 16 financial institutions, and 7 home appliances brands.
Increased Accessibility: Identified 3,000 accessibility issues and resolved over 1,000 across 60+ brands.
Societal Inclusion: Improved accessibility fosters greater societal inclusion, allowing fuller participation in economic, social, and cultural activities.
Economic Benefits: Companies adopting this technology can reach a wider customer base, increasing market opportunities and revenue.
Role of Social Sciences and Humanities Integrating social sciences and humanities ensures a holistic approach, understanding social dynamics and cultural contexts to meet the specific needs of visually impaired individuals.
Significance of Expected Impacts The project aims to transform the lives of visually impaired individuals by making products and services accessible, setting a precedent for broader accessibility and inclusion.
Activities Performed
Product Development Viability Study:
Defined software features based on end-user needs.
Ensured compatibility with existing screen readers.
Conducted user experience analysis and testing for improvements.
Regulatory Viability Study:
Ensured compliance with EU standards and regulations.
Commercialization Readiness and Communication Viability Study:
Identified early adopter EU countries and assessed market needs.
Developed a go-to-market strategy.
Financial Viability Study:
Conducted cost/benefit analysis and updated financial projections.
Formulated a detailed business plan.
Main Achievements
Market Implementation: Integrated technology into over 500 products from 60+ brands, used monthly by 80,000 visually impaired individuals.
Efficiency Improvements: Reduced shopping time from 42 to 7 minutes; increased session duration in digital banking by 1200%.
User Satisfaction: Achieved a 96% satisfaction rate.
Awards and Recognition: Received multiple awards, including from Google and the Cartier Women’s Initiative.
Outcomes of the Action
Enhanced accessibility and independence for visually impaired individuals.
Laid groundwork for European expansion.
Developed a sustainable business model with a recurring revenue stream.
Increased awareness and adoption of accessibility standards.
Product Development Viability Study:
Defined software features based on end-user needs.
Ensured compatibility with existing screen readers.
Conducted user experience analysis and testing for improvements.
Regulatory Viability Study:
Ensured compliance with EU standards and regulations.
Commercialization Readiness and Communication Viability Study:
Identified early adopter EU countries and assessed market needs.
Developed a go-to-market strategy.
Financial Viability Study:
Conducted cost/benefit analysis and updated financial projections.
Formulated a detailed business plan.
Main Achievements
Market Implementation: Integrated technology into over 500 products from 60+ brands, used monthly by 80,000 visually impaired individuals.
Efficiency Improvements: Reduced shopping time from 42 to 7 minutes; increased session duration in digital banking by 1200%.
User Satisfaction: Achieved a 96% satisfaction rate.
Awards and Recognition: Received multiple awards, including from Google and the Cartier Women’s Initiative.
Outcomes of the Action
Enhanced accessibility and independence for visually impaired individuals.
Laid groundwork for European expansion.
Developed a sustainable business model with a recurring revenue stream.
Increased awareness and adoption of accessibility standards.
Results, Potential Impacts, and Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success
Enhanced Accessibility: Transformed visual information into audio guidance, enabling independent use of products and services.
Market Penetration: Integrated into over 500 products from 60+ brands.
User Satisfaction and Engagement: Monthly adoption by 80,000 users with a 96% satisfaction rate.
Efficiency Improvements: Significant reductions in task completion times and session expirations.
Awards and Recognition: Multiple awards for innovation and social impact.
Key Needs
Further Research and Development: Integrate AI to improve precision and adaptability of audio simulations.
Demonstration Projects: Validate technology in diverse environments.
Access to Markets and Finance: Secure funding for scaling across Europe.
Commercialization Strategy: Develop a robust go-to-market strategy.
IPR Support: Protect intellectual property through patents and trademarks.
Internationalization: Adapt technology to meet local regulatory requirements and cultural contexts.
Enhanced Accessibility: Transformed visual information into audio guidance, enabling independent use of products and services.
Market Penetration: Integrated into over 500 products from 60+ brands.
User Satisfaction and Engagement: Monthly adoption by 80,000 users with a 96% satisfaction rate.
Efficiency Improvements: Significant reductions in task completion times and session expirations.
Awards and Recognition: Multiple awards for innovation and social impact.
Key Needs
Further Research and Development: Integrate AI to improve precision and adaptability of audio simulations.
Demonstration Projects: Validate technology in diverse environments.
Access to Markets and Finance: Secure funding for scaling across Europe.
Commercialization Strategy: Develop a robust go-to-market strategy.
IPR Support: Protect intellectual property through patents and trademarks.
Internationalization: Adapt technology to meet local regulatory requirements and cultural contexts.