ParkPal

We aimed to create a design solution to help users with disabilities related to mobility navigate outdoor natural areas. Looking into the problem, we found that many public parks lack information on how people can navigate space in an accessible manner, which can deter people from getting outside and experiencing what parks and trails have to offer. According to a study about public park accessibility, elderly individuals have a much harder time accessing public parks compared to younger users, which can lead to increased problems related to physical and mental health. After searching for existing resources to help provide these individuals with more information on how to access existing outdoor parks, we found there were limited options. Some projects have proposed solutions using signage or community-led mapping initiatives to guide users through outdoor space. However, many of these solutions present alternative challenges for the user and park tenders, including the inability to see accessibility standards ahead of time, outdated information on signage, and unclear or hard-to-find signage. Mapping initiatives typically only cover places like sidewalks and not parks/trails. Additionally, existing technologies to connect users with park and trail information lack emphasis on accessibility. Our team aimed to create a design solution for the lack of resources to connect users with valuable, clear, and accessible information around how to navigate parks and trails for people with disabilities related to mobility.