Audioguides

The Audio Guide application, created by Mobile3D as part of the COME-IN! project, is inspired by the ease of use of an audio guide, a tool that is now a familiar and usual part of visiting a museum. Starting from the accessibility needs of people with visual impairments, who have experienced the stages of making the tool, Audio Guide is proposed as a universal aid to the museum visit.

Its essential graphics make it easy to use and facilitate the use of smartphone system accessibility features, such as screen reading (Voice Over for Apple, TalkBack for Android): by tapping on different areas of a screen, the system provides voice information of the command that is about to be given and then, with a quick double-tap, confirms the action producing the desired effect. This is a standard mode of interaction, familiar to people with visual impairments, which provides easy access to the description of a museum room or an individual object.

Textual content is conveyed by reading with synthetic voice (text-to-speach), which people with visual impairments prefer to audio tracks recorded by an actor because it allows them to control the reading mode, particularly speed, and to scan individual lines of text, words, and even characters.

Simple and Accessible

Its essential graphics make it easy to use and facilitate the use of smartphone system accessibility features, such as screen reading. It is a standard mode of interaction, familiar to people with visual impairments, which provides easy access to the description of a museum room or an individual object. Textual content is conveyed by synthetic voice reading (text-to-speach), which people with visual impairments prefer to audio tracks recorded by an actor because it allows them to control the reading mode, particularly speed, and to scan individual lines of text, words, and even characters.

QR functionality

The inclusivity of this tool is determined by the fact that these properties remain hidden from the user who has not activated accessibility features on his or her smartphone and can therefore use Audio Guide almost like a conventional audio guide. "Almost" because Audio Guide is equipped with automatic location features: thanks to the museum's infrastructure with Beacon technology, the app automatically provides content based on the visitor's location.

Multilingual and LIS

For people with visual disabilities, localization is an aid to orientation in the exhibition spaces and facilitates the identification of tactile and multisensory stations, offering a richer and more inclusive experience.
Inclusivity is implemented by the presence of translations (audio and text) in Italian, English, and French, providing an opportunity for assisted visitation for foreign users and people with hearing disabilities. Finally, the museum tour and numerous Audio Guide contents are enriched by films interpreted in Italian sign language.

Client Casa Cavazzini
Year 2019-2021
CultureCategory
Website www.civicimuseiudine.it