A study on location-based services and barrier-free information: The development and implementation of an application for wheelchair users

摘要

This paper examines the effectiveness of, and problems associated with, smartphone applications （apps） for wheelchair users. First, the most effective system for users was investigated. Subsequently, a survey on road information was undertaken based on the proposed specifications for establishing and maintaining pedestrian space network data by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. These data were then used to develop Sakai Inishie Navi, an app for wheelchair users. An experiment was conducted regarding the effectiveness of Sakai Inishie Navi compared to a conventional sightseeing guidebook. Using Sakai Inishie Navi was found to be more effective as it directs wheelchair users through appropriate routes. Additionally, Sakai Inishie Navi was able to help users navigate even alleys and sightseeing areas, and the routes described by the two methods were found to differ from one another. There were also major differences in the number of times Sakai Inishie Navi and the Sakai Sightseeing Guidebook were viewed by users. Users of Sakai Inishie Navi repeatedly checked their locations and sightseeing information on their smartphones; this accounted for approximately 30％ of the total time they spent sightseeing. This type of mobile-media usage results in “the integration of new social and physical spaces,” rather than the “separation of social and physical spaces,” and instead of “the doubling of place,” it marks the start of “superimposing onto a place”， signifying the creation of a new sense of place.