Our Pilot Projects
City Services Audio Navigator for CommuniCity — City Services Audio Navigator
2025
Objectives
Promote sustainable choices and improve access to circular economy services by providing inclusive, multilingual audio guidance tailored for immigrant communities.
Scope
The pilot focused on designing and deploying a web-based mobile audio guide that helps users navigate local circular economy services in Helsinki. Key activities included co-creation workshops, multilingual content development and validation, application development, and real-world testing with users from immigrant backgrounds.
Deliverables
Multilingual audio guide accessible via web/mobile, supporting service awareness and sustainability
Co-creation and testing with over 60 users from immigrant communities
Positive user feedback, emphasizing clarity, usability, and relevance
Validated need for ongoing content updates to maintain accessibility and engagement
City Services Audio Navigator for Oodi Library — Oodi
2025, ongoing
Objectives
Enhance the visitor experience at the library by providing informative, accessible audio guidance in many languages, and improving visibility, usability, and impact through ongoing content development and analytics.
Scope
The pilot introduced an audio guide accessible via QR codes, offering orientation and contextual information for library visitors. Plans are underway to refine content through co-creation with library staff, and develop a specialized version for visually impaired users in collaboration with accessibility experts.
Deliverables
Interactive audio guide, offering location-based content via QR codes
Planned version for visually impaired users, supported by expert validation
Enhanced analytics tracking to provide detailed usage insights
Omni Assistant for Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology, Hannover — TIB
2025, ongoing
Objectives
Enhance visually impaired visitor experience and independent navigation in the TIB Library by providing interactive, location-based audio guidance within selected areas of the space.
Scope
This is an ongoing pilot project that involves the development of an interactive voice guidance system that delivers spatial audio descriptions and practical instructions. Visitors access the guidance by scanning QR codes placed at key locations, with no app installation required.
Planned Deliverables
QR-based audio guidance system with location-specific instructions and contextual information
Spatial audio content including directions, available facilities, and equipment usage
Integration with existing data sources (TIB website and mapongo system)
User-friendly web-based access, supporting multilingual voice cues
Improved accessibility and autonomy for all library visitors
Omni Assistant for Maria 01
2025, ongoing
Objectives
Support safe and confident use of event space at Maria 01 by providing clear instructional guidance for visitors and organizers.
Scope
The pilot focused on creating an audio-based onboarding experience that explains how to use available equipment and introduces the key rules for using the event space. The content was designed to ensure that all visitors feel informed and prepared before participating in activities at the venue.
Deliverables
Instructional audio guide, covering equipment usage and visitor rules
Improved onboarding experience for event participants and organizers
Enhanced safety and accessibility through clear and consistent communication
Omni Assistant for Vantaan Venäläinen Klubi
2025, ongoing
Objectives
Improve the experience of first-time visitors to Vantaan Venäläinen Klubi by providing clear and accessible audio information that supports orientation and participation in club activities.
Scope
The pilot focused on developing audio descriptions that deliver key information about the club's space, services, and events. Co-creation sessions and real-life testing were conducted to ensure the content meets the needs of newcomers and supports their smooth integration into the club environment.
Deliverables
Audio guide for first-time visitors, offering essential orientation and service information
Real-life scenario testing to validate clarity and usefulness
Gathering user feedback and insights for future improvements
Virtual Audio Site Explorer for Kamppi Center — Kamppi
2024
Objectives
Advance inclusive navigation by developing and testing an audio-based virtual representation to improve spatial accessibility for visually impaired users in public spaces.
Scope
The pilot focused on creating a Virtual Audio Representation of the 1st floor of Kamppi Center. It included co-creation workshops with experts from the Finnish Association of the Visually Impaired and on-site tests with real users to assess the effectiveness of audio navigation in a complex public environment.
Deliverables
Virtual Audio Representation of Kamppi Center’s 1st floor, enabling improved orientation for blind and visually impaired individuals
User testing and expert workshops, providing practical feedback on usability and functionality
Positive expert evaluation and insights
Virtual Audio Site Explorer for Port of Tallinn — Port of Tallinn
2024—2025
Objectives
Improve accessibility in Terminal A for individuals with special needs by creating inclusive digital solutions and engaging end-users in the design process.
Scope
The pilot focused on developing a virtual audio model of Terminal A’s lounge to support accessibility evaluation. Through a series of testing sessions and workshops with the Estonian Blind Union, the team identified key navigation challenges and gathered user-driven insights to enhance spatial awareness for visually impaired travelers.
Deliverables
Virtual Audio Representation of Terminal A’s lounge, enabling immersive orientation for blind and visually impaired users
Real-life scenario testing to validate the effectiveness of the model in practical contexts
Expert feedback and user insights, highlighting the model’s value and opportunities for further development in accessible design
