Barron Associates’ Multi-modal Application for the Perception of Spaces (MAPS) system successfully tested by the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

A Phase I pilot study was conducted at the Virginia DBVI to investigate the effectiveness of an Android tablet-based prototype non-visual map display in conveying spatial layout information to individuals who are blind through audio-tactile cues. Fourteen (14) individuals completed the study in a partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Bioengineering and under the supervision of a VCU Institutional Review Board (IRB). With a few minutes of access to the MAPS prototype, individuals who are blind demonstrated a similar level of spatial knowledge for an unfamiliar space as would be expected of someone who lived or worked in that area. Statistical analysis of study results provides clear objective evidence of:  (1) significant benefit of the MAPS prototype for users to acquire spatial layout information; (2) significant benefit for mobile on-the-go access to map data (vs. pre-exploration); and (3) a high level of technology acceptance by potential clients and enthusiasm for the system’s potential to improve lives.