About NavCog

NavCog is an indoor/outdoor navigation App empowering visually impaired people to explore the world without vision. This page contains instructions for visually impaired users. For wheelchair or general pedestrian mode, please see How to use NavCog for more details.

Instructions for Visually Impaired Users

Start navigating with your free hand by holding the phone in front of you.

Before each instruction, the system will ask for your attention by producing a vibration and short ping sound. Then, you will first hear a high-level description of the route’s destination and length, followed by the first instruction (e.g., go straight and turn left in 30ft).

While you walk, NavCog will periodically tell you the distance and when you are “approaching” the next turning point. Once at the turning point, the phone will tell you to turn. A turn is generally about 90°, whereas a slight turn is smaller–less than 90°.

Be careful how far you pivot your body and device; The phone plays a sound and vibrates when you have turned accurately. The system continues to provide next turning point distance and instructions (e.g, turn left at the end of the corridor. There is a door).

While using the app, it will also share information regarding the environment. For example: when the floor changes from carpet to marble, and when you have features of interest (e.g., restrooms, water fountains, notable places) or obstacles near you while traversing through the environment.

Use that information for avoiding collisions and as confirmation during navigation. The only possible command is a tap on the screen, which states your current status in case you need confirmation on where you are (for instance, proceed 20 feet and turn right).

NOTE: If silent mode is on, sound effects will not be heard.

Specific Settings:

There are specific settings that streamline your NavCog experience. To enter these settings, please go to Settings > Speech/Sound section.

  • Speech Speed: set to .55 and can be increased or decreased
  • Preview speed: set at 1 and can be increased

The following settings can be turned on or off:

  • Preview with Action: allows users to preview routes before starting
  • Ignore Facility Info: turns off all auditory landmarks revealing Vibration informs user of turning points
  • Show P.O.I. with Action: if user’s turning this function on at an art exhibit, the app will describe the point of interest and inform user to turn to the painting for further description (This functionality is not used at CMU)
  • Sound Effect informs users to turn through iPhone speakers
  • Sound Effect for Bone Conduction Headset: adjusts suitable sound levels for bone conduction headset.
  • Distance Unit: allows users to switch metric units between meters and feet.

By default, the following settings are turned on: preview with action, vibration and sound effects.

Specific Route Options:

When you enter search page to select a route, there is also a function for route options. User can prioritize routes with tactile paving or specify using elevators, escalators, moving walkways or stairs.

Note: By default, tactile paving, elevator and stairs are turned on.