Killer App for Augmented Reality: 

Unlocking Accessibility in the Built Environment

by Gordon Fuller

Gordon Fuller is a telecommunications policy expert and advocate for community-owned digital infrastructure, with extensive experience in municipal broadband initiatives. Gordon works with communities to develop sustainable, equitable telecommunications systems to serve the public interest.

Imagine a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate and interact with their surroundings effortlessly – where the built environment, often a maze of obstacles for people with disabilities, transforms into an inclusive space teeming with accessible pathways, interactive information, and personalized experiences. This vision is not just a possibility—it’s the revolutionary potential of augmented reality (AR). And here’s the kicker: accessibility is the killer app that will drive AR’s widespread adoption, fundamentally changing how we experience our environments.

The Accessibility Revolution in Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality, when paired with spatial mapping technologies, has the power to democratize access to the built environment in ways we’ve only dreamed of. This isn’t just about adding a few features; it’s about completely rethinking how spaces are designed and interacted with.

Wayfinding and Navigation: Breaking Barriers

For individuals with disabilities, navigating complex physical environments can be a daunting task. AR is set to change that. Imagine walking through a bustling city with your smartphone or AR glasses seamlessly guiding you through accessible routes, highlighting curb cuts, ramps, avoiding construction and obstruction and finding entrances tailored to your needs. Visual and auditory cues provide real-time assistance, allowing everyone to move independently and confidently.

Wayfinding, in addition to enacting accessibility in the physical environment, is about enhancing everyone’s experience. The very tools that help individuals with disabilities navigate can also offer personalized guidance for tourists, assist shoppers in finding stores, or even help employees locate conference rooms in sprawling office complexes. It’s a win-win, turning accessibility features into universally beneficial tools.

Information Access: The Power of Knowing

AR doesn’t just show you the way; it tells you the story of the space around you. Whether it’s identifying accessible bathrooms, reading out the menu at a restaurant, or providing detailed descriptions of a historic site, AR can make the invisible visible. For people with visual impairments, this means independence; for businesses, it means enhanced customer engagement.

AR can turn static signs into dynamic, interactive experiences. Imagine tapping on a sign with your phone and getting an audio description or tactile feedback that guides you through a museum exhibit or a large public event. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are profound.

Commercializing Accessibility: A Golden Opportunity for Businesses

So, why should businesses care? Beyond the moral imperative of inclusivity, there are tangible benefits to embracing AR for accessibility.

Enhanced Customer Experience

If customer experience is king, businesses that prioritize accessibility will not only serve a broader audience but also stand out in the crowded marketplace. An inclusive environment is not just welcoming; it’s a competitive advantage. AR solutions that enhance accessibility can attract customers who value innovation and inclusivity, turning them into loyal patrons.

Compliance and Tax Benefits

Here’s where it gets even more interesting: adopting AR for accessibility can also help businesses meet regulatory requirements and take advantage of significant tax benefits. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers tax credits like the Disabled Access Credit and the Barrier Removal Tax Deduction, which can offset the costs of implementing these cutting-edge solutions. By embracing AR, businesses can reduce their tax burden while enhancing their spaces—essentially getting paid to do the right thing.

A Competitive Edge

Incorporating AR accessibility solutions is about compliance; more than that, it’s about leading the pack. Businesses that invest in these technologies will be known as innovators, attracting customers, talent and investors who are eager to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive brand.

The Dual-Use Advantage: Beyond Accessibility

What’s particularly exciting about AR accessibility solutions is their dual-use potential. Just like curb cuts, originally designed for wheelchairs and their users but now used by everyone from parents with strollers to travelers with luggage, AR solutions designed for accessibility can benefit all users.

Imagine AR-powered shopping guides that help you find the best deals in a store, or virtual assistants that enhance your museum visit with personalized content. These innovations start with accessibility in mind but quickly expand to enhance everyone’s experience.

Conclusion: Embrace the Future with AR Accessibility

The built environment is ripe for transformation, and augmented reality is the tool that will unlock its potential. By focusing on accessibility as the killer app, we not only create a more inclusive world but also drive the widespread adoption of AR, bringing its benefits to all.

For businesses, the message is clear: investing in AR accessibility isn’t just about compliance or corporate social responsibility—it’s about seizing a golden opportunity to lead in the next wave of technological innovation. The future is here, and it’s accessible to everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this revolution.

To learn more, contact Gordon Fuller at gordon@fullervision.com or 415-484-9650. Let’s build the future together.