Accessible Applications to Improve the Tourist Experience

Abstract

Traveling is known to improve a person’s well-being and happiness, and tourism experiences should be offered to all types of tourists, including those with different disabilities. At the same time, technology is evolving and tourism applications are spreading. In this paper, we focus our attention on accessible mobile applications that can support a tourism experience. We first reviewed and classified a wide range of applications dedicated to users with visual, hearing, motor, cognitive impairments, and also others dedicated to the elderly. We have included this last category of users as they represent an interesting but at the same time specific target for the tourism industry. To understand how these dedicated apps could be better designed to improve accessibility we have then run a study collecting empirical data through questionnaires proposed to 210 users with diverse cognitive abilities, and to 50 elderly users, respectively. We have investigated and analyzed their approach to using tourist apps, also trying to understand the challenges they most commonly encounter when using them, and discussing possible improvements.

Appendix

1.1 Applications Description

• Accessaloo allows to find accessible toilets nearby. It provides information about the location of accessible toilets, and about their accessibility features such as wheelchair accessibility, grab bars, and changing facilities [11].

• AccessibItaly is an app that offers information about various Italian cities in sign language. It provides accessible and inclusive information about the culture, food, history, and other aspects of these cities, making it easier for individuals who use sign language to explore and enjoy their travel experiences [8].

• BOForAll is an app specifically designed for the historic center of Bologna, Italy. It helps people with visual, hearing, and motor disabilities by indicating accessible services and inclusive paths. It provides information about accessible facilities, including restaurants, shops, and attractions, to ensure a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors [12].

• Jaccede is an interactive platform that allows individuals to add details about accessible facilities in Paris. Users can contribute information about accessible restaurants, cafes, shops, and other establishments, creating a community-driven resource for accessibility information in the city [14].

• Kimap is an app that provides accessible maps and itineraries for the cities of Florence, Grosseto, and Prato in Italy. It helps users navigate these cities by offering information on accessible routes, points of interest, and services, enabling individuals with disabilities to explore and enjoy these destinations more easily [6].

• Link Cash Locator is an app that helps users find ATM locations and provides accessibility information. It enables individuals to locate ATMs in their vicinity and provides details about accessibility features such as wheelchair accessibility, tactile buttons, and audio assistance [13].

• MagnusCards is an app designed to assist travellers with cognitive problems in preparing for new vacation experiences. It provides step-by-step digital guides, including visual and auditory cues, to help individuals with cognitive challenges navigate various aspects of travel, such as airport procedures, hotel stays, and local attractions [2].

• Moovit is a navigation app that offers assisted navigation with notifications along the route. It provides real-time public transportation information, including bus, train, and subway schedules, helping users with disabilities plan their journeys and navigate through cities more efficiently [3].

• PerNoiAutistici is an app that complements the PerNoiAutistici web portal. It offers news, podcasts, and geolocation-based information on nearby autism-friendly structures. It aims to provide resources and support for individuals with autism and their families, helping them find inclusive spaces and services [5].

• Taxi Sordi is an app that allows users to automatically reserve a taxi using the app’s geolocation feature. It caters specifically to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, providing a convenient and accessible way to book taxis [7].

• Tripstep is an accessible tourist guide of Sicily. It offers information about accessible attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and transportation options in Sicily, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can plan and enjoy their trip to the region [9].

• TUR4All is an accessible tourist guide available for several countries, including Spain, Portugal, Germany, India, Colombia, and Perù. It provides comprehensive information about accessible tourist attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and transportation options in these countries, promoting inclusive tourism for individuals with disabilities [4].

• Tube Map is an app that provides useful information on underground and railway stations, as well as their accessibility, in various cities such as London and New York. It helps users navigate the subway and railway systems, offering details about accessible entrances, elevators, and other accessibility features [10].

• WheelMap is an app that evaluates the accessibility of various establishments and facilities such as restaurants, cafes, toilets, shops, cinemas, parking lots, and bus stops. It allows users to contribute information about accessibility, helping individuals with mobility disabilities find places that suit their accessibility needs [1].

1.2 The Questionnaire

General Questions:

• Gender

  • Male

  • Female

  • Not specified

• Age [Free number input]

• What kind of disability/aging problem do you have?

  • Visual disability

  • Hearing disability

  • Physical disability

  • Cognitive disability

  • Aging

• How capable are you of: [Possible single answer for each: 1 (I am not capable), 2, 3, 4, 5 (I am capable)]

  • Using a PC:

  • Using a telephone

  • Using an application

  • Browsing the Web

• What does your satisfaction with an app depend on?

  • Informative content

  • Offered services

  • Ease of use

  • Graphics

  • Utility

  • Audio vocals

• Have you ever used an accessible app?

  • Yes

  • No

• Have you ever used an accessible tourism app?

  • Yes

  • No

• Can you easily find information on the accessibility of a tourist destination?

  • Yes

  • No

  • I have never been interested

• What communication channel do you use to prepare for a trip or visit?

  • Experiences of friends and/or relatives

  • Comments on social networks

  • Websites

  • Apps

  • Other [Free-text response]

For Each Group [Visual Disability; Hearing Disability; Physical Disability; Cognitive Disability; Aging] the Same Questions

• Had you already used or already knew any apps that you tested?

  • Yes

  • No

• Do you think some apps you did not know about or do not use yet could be useful to you?

  • Yes

  • No

• Do you think the apps you have tried are well structured overall? [The following answers are for each group-specific app]

  • 1(No)

  • 2

  • 3

  • 4

  • 5 (Extremely)

• Do you think the apps you have tried are easy to use? [The following answers are for each group-specific app]

  • 1(No)

  • 2

  • 3

  • 4

  • 5 (Extremely)

• Do you think the apps you have tried have easy navigation? [The following answers are for each group-specific app]

  • 1(No)

  • 2

  • 3

  • 4

  • 5 (Extremely)

• Do you think the apps you have tried have clear and simple content? [The following answers are for each group-specific app]

  • 1(No)

  • 2

  • 3

  • 4

  • 5 (Extremely)

• Is there information or content missing that you would have liked to find in the apps you tried? [Free-text answer)]

• Based on the apps you’ve tried, do you think they help you prepare and make the most of your trip/visit?

  • Yes

  • No

  • Only a few

  • Most of them

• What do you think is missing or could be improved? [Free-text answer)]

• To test the various applications, what type of operating system did you use?

  • iOS

  • Android

• Did you use assistive technologies to test the various apps? If yes, which ones? [Free-text answer)]