OSEE is a project focused on integrating spatial audio technology into OTIS elevators to enhance the user experience. This initiative aims to create an immersive audio environment that improves navigation, safety, and overall satisfaction for elevator passengers while also aiming to reduce anxiety. The project follows a user-centered and collaborative approach, ensuring that the audio design meets the needs of diverse users, including those with visual or auditory impairments.
User-Centered Approach
• Preliminary Studies: Conducting research and observations to understand how different users interact with elevator systems and what their audio-related needs are.
• Collaborative Workshops: Organizing workshops with various user groups, including people with disabilities, to gather feedback and suggestions on the spatial audio design.
• User Testing: Implementing test sessions in real elevator environments to evaluate the effectiveness of the spatial audio cues and refine the design based on user feedback.
• Hardware Development: Collaborating with OTIS to create specific hardware that transitions the project from prototype to mass production, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
Unique Aspects of the Spatial Audio Design
• Intuitive Audio Cues: Designing spatial audio cues that help passengers navigate the elevator interface and anticipate floor arrivals, enhancing ease of use.
• Enhanced Safety: Creating audio signals that alert passengers to important safety information, such as doors opening and closing, and emergency instructions.
• Anxiety Reduction: Implementing calming and reassuring audio elements to help reduce anxiety for passengers during their elevator ride.
• Immersive Experience: Using 3D audio technology to provide a more engaging and pleasant journey, making the elevator experience more enjoyable.
• Accessibility: Ensuring the audio design accommodates the needs of passengers with visual or auditory impairments, making the elevators more inclusive.
Achievements
• Design Awards: This product has received several awards for creative design, recognizing its innovative approach to enhancing user experience through spatial audio.
