BlindTooth - Navigation App for the Blind - AimtecHackathon 2024
🏆 Second Place - AimtecHackathon 2024
Date
March 2024
Team Size
7 members
Technologies
Gallery
Overview
A mobile application that helps blind people find and meet each other at a specific location using GPS, Wi-Fi, compass, and audio-haptic feedback.
The Problem
Blind people face significant challenges when trying to meet each other in noisy, crowded spaces. Current methods rely on acoustic signals (tapping a blind cane, playing music, or calling out to each other), which don't work well in environments with high background noise. Visually impaired individuals need a more reliable way to locate each other, especially in busy urban areas where sound-based navigation is ineffective.
Our Solution
We developed a mobile application that combines multiple technologies to help two blind people navigate toward each other. The app uses GPS for general location, Wi-Fi hotspot for proximity detection, and compass data for directional guidance. One person activates a Wi-Fi hotspot and stays stationary, while the other connects to it and receives audio-haptic feedback (beeps and vibrations) that guide them toward their companion. The frequency and pattern of beeps indicate the direction and proximity, helping the user navigate without relying on sound alone.
Key Features
- Multi-Technology Navigation: Combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and compass for accurate positioning
- Audio-Haptic Feedback: Uses beeps and vibrations to guide users - the pattern indicates direction and distance
- Wi-Fi Hotspot Mode: One user creates a hotspot while the other connects and navigates toward them
- Noise-Independent: Works in crowded, noisy environments where acoustic methods fail
- Cross-Platform: Built with React Native and Expo for both Android and iOS devices
- Accessibility-First Design: Built from the ground up with blind users in mind, consulted with visually impaired individuals
- Simple Interface: Designed to work seamlessly with screen readers and accessibility features
We consulted with blind individuals through social media during development to validate our approach and ensure the solution addresses real needs.
My Role
As the unofficial leader of the team, I was responsible for coordinating team activities and ensuring everyone stayed aligned throughout the hackathon. Beyond leadership, I actively participated in the development, contributing to the technical implementation of the navigation algorithms and the overall app architecture. Our team came together on-site and when we discovered other teams were working on similar ideas, we pivoted and refined our approach to focus on a unique solution.