WayForAll

Inspiration

Navigation apps optimize for speed, not accessibility. For people with disabilities or specialized needs, common routes can include stairs, steep slopes, or unsafe crossings. We wanted to create a tool that prioritizes safety and independence for everyone.

What it does

WayForAll is an accessibility focused navigation app that generates the safest and most accessible routes based on a user’s needs. Users create an accessibility profile, and the app avoids barriers like stairs and unsafe paths while providing clear, inclusive navigation.

How we built it

We built WayForAll using a map based frontend with accessibility first design and a backend routing system that scores paths based on safety and accessibility factors. We used open map data and weighted routing logic to generate personalized routes.

Challenges we ran into

Accessibility data is limited and inconsistent, so we had to design a flexible system that works with incomplete information. Balancing accuracy, performance, and simplicity within a hackathon timeframe was also challenging.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• Built a working accessibility focused navigation prototype
  
• Designed an inclusive, easy-to-use interface
  
• Created personalized routing based on real accessibility needs
  
• Addressed a real-world problem affecting millions
  

What we learned

We learned how to design technology with empathy, work with real world data constraints, and build meaningful features under time pressure. Most importantly, we learned that accessibility must be intentional, not an afterthought.

What's next for WayForAll

Next, we plan to expand accessibility data through community reporting, improve route accuracy, and add features like indoor navigation and real time obstacle alerts to make WayForAll even more reliable and inclusive.

Built With

• mapbox
• next.js
• tailwindcss
• typescript