The winner of the HaptiMap developer competition is StreetCompass. The second prize goes to KeepClose and the third prize to TrackTower. The decision was not easy – the jury found all entries interesting and useful, and would like also express their appreciation for the entries Sensory, GuideMeTo and BundesligaStadiumFinder.

 

Motivations


1. StreetCompass
This innovative application feels very much in line with the work in HaptiMap. Just as we have done, this app puts the user into the map, and provides a way of allowing the user to get an overview of the nearby street grid. Knowing the names of streets is often a problem (signs are poor or hard to read), and knowing surrounding streets and intersections allows you to both know where you are as well as find out where you are going. The application also includes the possibility to only get crossings on the street you are currently following. The app works wherever map data is available implying a high potential impact.

 

2. KeepClose
This useful app is something we think almost everyone would like – it helps you find your way back to some location (car, bus stop, etc). It also allows you to define a distance from this point so that you get a warning if you go too far away. We think this simple app holds great potential for all the user groups targeted by HaptiMap (sighted, persons with vision problems and elderly).

 

3. TrackTower
This is an interesting app that shows how you can use HaptiMap ideas also for other things than navigation. It provides information in all modalities – and is a nice example of how HaptiMap ideas are useful  for “everyone”.

 

We also want to express our appreciation of the following entries (this listing is not ranked):

 

Sensory
This is a nice little game that is intended for use by both sighted persons and visually impaired persons – an approach which is very much in line with the ideas behind HaptiMap. The game is a simple but challenging memory game using sounds, gestures and vibrations – you are to remember which vibration/shaking pattern goes with which sound and then repeat the pattern by shaking the device. Again an example of how HaptiMap ideas are applicable for applications in general.

 

GuideMeTo
A simple but potentially very useful application that allows you to type in an address and be guided there. For all situations when you know the address, an app like this would be very handy. Being able to type in any address makes this application quite flexible – it can potentially be used anywhere.

 

BundesligeStadiumFinder
This  app is a nice example of how useful HaptiMap designs are for the general public (bundesliga fans in this case).  And by using the HaptiMap toolkit the guiding becomes available to a wider group of users – something well in line with the HaptiMap purpose.