A visual guide for everyone to get around

Independo Maps fosters digital inclusivity by supporting individuals who process information visually. Co-created with users, the app simplifies navigation using images, symbols and mixed reality.

Awarded with the Digital Literacy Prize by Medieninitiative Wien.

Independo Maps app screenshot showing the map view with symbol-based navigation

Overview

Independo develops image-based web applications for people who struggle with text-based communication. Their mission: promote digital inclusion and make digital products accessible to everyone.

My Role

Product Designer. I planned and conducted co-design workshops. Designed the user flows and User Interface. Tested my results with users.

Team

1 Designer
2 Co-Design Group
3 Developers

Solution Preview

Navigate the world, independently.

Independo Maps replaces text-heavy navigation with a fully visual experience. All saved locations are displayed using Metacom symbols, the symbol system most widely used by AAC users, making the app instantly familiar. Users can save favorite locations, create custom places with their own symbols, and start navigation either by selecting a saved destination or using the free navigation button.

For many users, consistency is not a preference but a necessity. Unexpected changes or unfamiliar routes can be overwhelming and disorienting, which is why the app is built around fixed, learnable routes that users can follow the same way every time.

Independo Maps home screen showing the map with symbol-based location markers Independo Maps navigation screen showing symbol-based route options and favorites Independo Maps active navigation showing a route from start to destination

Want to dive deeper? The full case study is on Behance.