Inclusive design is a key plank of AIG’s approach to all projects, making sure all users are considered in the process of coming up with the best solution.

Train stations and transport hubs are challenges to the unfamiliar orienteer at the best of times. For visually impaired people they are almost impossible. As part of the Include Conference at the Royal College of Art, the Design Business Association (DBA) ran a 24-hour design competition.

Five design groups were briefed on Tuesday evening to come up with ideas for easing navigation through transport hubs. Wednesday evening they reconvened to present their proposals to the Conference.

Winner of the popular vote on the night was the Applied Information Group team which, working closely with visually impaired user Matt Brown, developed Babelfish – a wearable navigation device. Interacting with a network of cheap, strategically located RFID tags, and linked to a broader web and mobile phone service, Babelfish gives the user sonic clues and feedback as he traverses the hub. The AIG team effectively adapted existing technology to create independence for the user. Strong branding and a persuasive business case helped sway the audience into granting AIG the Design Challenge Award.