InclusiView

InclusiView is a device that targets building surveyors and architects access and studies the ways in which a building is constructed with the intention of redesigning it. Through the analysis of the governmentally approved documentation stating regulations to be applied to newly redesigned or newly built public environments, the complicated nature of the document highlights a hardship in approaching, comprehending, remembering and applying such regulations. Furthermore, through the interview process with architects (the ultimate intended user), the willingness of the clients to overlook such regulations in the name of financial savings surfaced. This might be due to the difficulty and length of the documentation given by the Government on such matters. The research therefore highlighted the lack of a device that could aid the decision-makers ahead of planning with existing issues in a built environment, classified by level of gravity. For example, a step with no ramp or lift would represent a red signal, while a ramp with a slightly steeper inclination or a slightly smaller landing compared to the standard would represent a yellow warning. On the other hand, a perfectly shallow ramp with the appropriately sized landings and surface grips would result in a green signal. All warnings are colour coded and verbally defined, quoting regulations according to the Approved Document M, with a visually approved interface that complies with the disability regulations of virtual platforms, including colour contrasts, font style and size. The uniqueness of the project comes from the intention in using new technologies such as Augmented Reality / Mixed Reality devices, but doing so utilising objects of common use nowadays, such as smartphones. In fact, InclusiView embraces the idea of accessibility even on a financial and technical level, not needing AR/MR equipment nor specialists, creating an easy-access and easy-navigation platform.