Accessible Navigation Mapping: Supporting People with Mobility Disabilities for Wayfinding; Enhance Inclusion and Accessibility with User-Centered Design Practices

This research explores the design methodologies and the social implications of design deficiencies in technological practices, guided by the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) framework. It addresses the critical question of how technological development can be optimized to ensure maximum diversity, equity, and inclusion. By applying the SCOT framework, this research aims to discover the negative societal impacts of design deficiencies, focusing on how design contributes to stereotypes, biases, and the marginalization of minority groups.
The project centers on identifying and improving aspects of the design process to foster inclusivity and counteract the societal effects of technological products. Anticipated findings are expected to provide insights on specific analyses needed, the societal interpretation of technological designs, and the efficacy of the SCOT framework in analyzing the connection between design and society.
This research is significant to the fields of STS and Engineering, as it underscores the urgent need for a user-centric and inclusive approach to design. It would highlight the societal implications of design deficiencies and call for an immediate reevaluation of technological design practices. The goal is to encourage the development of technologies that are more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of diverse user needs, thereby contributing to a more inclusive society. Through its findings, this research aims to contribute meaningful insights into optimizing the design process within the framework of STS and engineering disciplines.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Systmes Engineering

Technical Advisor: Rupa Valdez, Tariq Iqbal

STS Advisor: Bryn Seabrook, Richard Jacques

Technical Team Members: Iris Chen, Manasi Srigiriraju, Christopher Cook