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Matterport for Accessibility

We were recently honoured to be welcomed to Abergavenny by its Mayor Chris, and our client Leighton Morris to see first-hand how they have used Matterport digital twins to improve accessibility in their beautiful town. We made a short video about the project that you can view here.

Inspired by their work, we thought it would be worthwhile to write a summary of how digital twins can be used in a variety of sectors to improve accessibility. If you're an asset owner, public body, healthcare or education provider or landlord - hopefully these points will help you understand how you can use digital twins to cater for a variety of people with additional needs.

Matterport's core contribution to accessibility lies in providing remote, visual, and detailed spatial understanding, empowering individuals with diverse needs to navigate and interact with environments more confidently and independently.

1. Public & Cultural Institutions (Museums, Libraries, Government Buildings):

  • Virtual Tours for Pre-Visit Planning: Individuals with mobility issues, sensory sensitivities, or cognitive disabilities can virtually explore layouts, identify accessible entrances, ramps, elevators, restrooms, and quiet spaces before their visit. This reduces anxiety and allows for better planning.
  • Detailed Accessibility Information: Informational tags embedded within the digital twin can highlight specific accessibility features like hearing loops, tactile signage, availability of large-print materials, or designated assistance points.
  • Remote Access to Collections: For individuals unable to visit in person, digital twins offer a way to experience exhibits and spaces virtually, fostering inclusivity and engagement.
  • Training for Staff: Digital twins can be used to train staff on accessibility protocols, evacuation procedures for individuals with disabilities, and the location of accessible facilities.

2. Education (Schools, Universities, Training Centres):

  • Virtual Campus Tours: Prospective students with disabilities can explore campuses remotely to assess accessibility of buildings, classrooms, dormitories, and support services.
  • Familiarization with Learning Environments: Students can become familiar with classroom layouts, potential navigation challenges, and the location of accessible resources before starting or returning to in-person learning.
  • Remote Learning Opportunities: Digital twins can create immersive virtual learning environments for students who cannot physically attend classes, ensuring they don't miss out on spatial context.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Digital twins aid in developing and communicating accessible emergency evacuation plans.

3. Healthcare (Hospitals, Clinics, Care Homes):

  • Virtual Wayfinding: Patients can familiarize themselves with hospital layouts, find specific departments, accessible entrances, and parking areas, reducing stress and improving appointment adherence.
  • Remote Consultations & Assessments: In some cases, digital twins can aid remote assessments by providing healthcare professionals with a detailed view of a patient's home environment to identify potential accessibility barriers or safety concerns.
  • Training for Healthcare Staff: Digital twins can be used to train staff on navigating facilities with equipment and assisting patients with mobility challenges.

4. Real Estate & Property Management:

  • Accessible Property Showings: Individuals with mobility limitations can virtually tour properties, assessing doorway widths, bathroom layouts, step-free access, and other crucial accessibility features without the need for physical travel.
  • Detailed Accessibility Listings: Digital twins allow property managers to showcase specific accessibility features within online listings, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to find suitable housing or commercial spaces.
  • Planning Adaptations: Architects and contractors can use digital twins to remotely assess spaces and plan necessary accessibility modifications.

5. Retail & Hospitality (Shops, Hotels, Restaurants):

  • Virtual Exploration of Amenities: Customers can virtually explore the layout of shops, hotels, and restaurants to identify accessible entrances, seating arrangements, restroom facilities, and other amenities.
  • Improved Customer Service: Staff can use digital twins to better understand the layout and accessibility features of their premises, enabling them to provide more informed assistance to customers with disabilities.

In essence, Matterport digital twins enhance accessibility by:

  • Removing physical barriers to information: Providing remote access to spatial understanding.
  • Providing detailed and visual information: Allowing individuals to assess environments based on their specific needs.
  • Empowering informed decision-making: Enabling better planning and reducing uncertainty.
  • Fostering inclusivity: Creating more equitable access to spaces and experiences.

As the technology evolves, we can expect even more innovative applications of Matterport digital twins to further break down accessibility barriers across various sectors.

And you can view Leighton's tour of Abergavenny town hall by clicking here.