Imatge
Imatge
Zoo de Barcelona will test a chatbot that is able to interact with users, guide them through their visit and provide information on different animal species
Park Güell is to trial an app that adapts content format to users’ cognitive, sensorial and physical requirements
Both of these technological solutions were presented by the InnovAcció 2030 programme, through which the Ajuntament de Barcelona, Barcelona Municipal Services (B:SM) and the Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation aim to speed up progress towards fulfilling the requirements of the 2030 Agenda and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Both projects are supported by the Independent Living and Accessibility Network, promoted by the Municipal Institute for People with Disabilities
Over the coming months, Zoo de Barcelona and Park Güell will be testing two technological solutions aimed at providing a more inclusive experience for visitors with specific needs. These projects are two of the technological solutions that have been developed in response to the challenges launched by the city in October 2021 as part of the InnovAcció 2030 programme.
The initiative is being led by the Commissioner for the 2030 Agenda for the Ajuntament de Barcelona, Barcelona Municipal Services (B:SM) and the Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation through the Digital Future Society programme. The aim is to provide innovative responses to different urban challenges that will accelerate both progress on the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this instance, the challenge was to use technology to make visits to Park Güell and the zoo more inclusive.
Zoo de Barcelona: a virtual assistant who interacts with users
The zoo will be testing an accessible chatbot solution designed for people with visual, hearing and cognitive accessibility needs, as well as those with mental health disorders. The so-called Zoobot has been designed by La Tempesta: Ciutat, Cultura & Tecnologia, and works on both mobiles and tablets. The chatbot has the capability to interact with users, provide information on what is in front of them, and guide them in accordance with their needs.
The pilot phase will see the new tool used in the Sahel Savanna spaces and the Land of Dragons Discovery Centre. There are information panels with a QR code enabling access to Zoobot at the entrance to both spaces, without the need to download an app. Zoobot can also be accessed via the Zoo de Barcelona website.
Park Güell to trial an app that adapts content to user needs
The selected solution at Park Güell to improve the experience of visitors with cognitive diversity (people with intellectual disabilities and those on the autism spectrum), sensory diversity (hearing and visual) and physical diversity (mobility and organic) was designed by the company Play&go Experience.
The app adapts content format to user requirements, and includes 2D maps, standardised easy-reading texts, pictograms, 23 audio guides and 15 video clips. It has been adapted for 16 different and combinable user profiles for this trial stage, and covers 34 of the park’s attractions and services.
The app can be downloaded free of charge from the Play&go Experience marketplace: https://bit.ly/ParkGuellVisitaInclusiva.
Support for people with disabilities
Both tools will be trialled until May this year in real-world settings, and were selected through a public innovation competition organised by B:SM. Their selection and subsequent development of projects has been undertaken with the support of the Municipal Institute for People with Disabilities as well as organisations belonging to the Accessibility and Independent Living Network for an Inclusive Barcelona.
Throughout the design process, the organisations took part in a range of meetings, personal interviews and simulation activities. Their input and experience has been essential for improving both the process of developing the apps and their implementation at Zoo de Barcelona and Park Güell.
