THATS Companion prototype

After a thorough research in 7 special schools for blind and visually impaired persons from Romania, we created a prototype for THATS Companion iOS app. It was developed by RADCOM, with funds from the Orange Foundation.

To demonstrate the user experience, we used Romania’s map and recorded audio information about 3 Romanian states: Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Braila.

Using your iOS device, follow the steps below to download and install the prototype, called “PasDeElefant”.

First of all, print this map on an A4 sheet of paper.

On your iOS device, click here to go to the download page.

On the download page, click on the text “Apasă pentru a instala aplicația”.

The prototype is now installed on your device, but in order to use it, you first have to trust the developer.

Tap Settings > General > Profiles or Profiles & Device Management. You then see a profile for the developer (RADCOM) under the “Enterprise App” heading.

Tap the profile to establish trust for RADCOM developer. An internet connection is required.

You’re then prompted to confirm your choice.

You can now open PasDeElefant app. You will be promted with a message that asks your permission to use the device’s camera. Grant access to it, otherwise it won’t work.

After you open PasDeElefant, place the printed map on a table and the iOS device on a stand above it (about xx cm). If you don’t have a stand, you can use a pile of books. The device’s camera should be able to see the whole paper. The app helps you to better position the paper and the device, just look at the screen.

You are now ready to test our prototype. Place only one finger on any of the three highlighted areas and listen to the audio recording.

The prototype needs plenty of light for it to function properly. Also, be careful not to cover the four visual anchors in the corners.