Inclusion Atlas is a user generated mobile and browser platform that allows users to find, rate and review venues based on their accessibility features, service standards and experiential quality, via a respectful and constructive space of dialogue. It seeks to ensure that anybody can comfortably access public spaces, no matter their physical ability or requirements. Our project uses technology to empower diverse-ability groups, providing useful information regarding their participation in the physical environment and a mechanism through which venue managers are motivated to implement appropriate upgrades. Inclusion Atlas encourages members of the community, businesses, and venue owners to work together to ensure the highest quality of customer experience, accountability and reciprocal engagement is conducted.
Currently, people living with disability often struggle with physical access to a range of services, buildings, and transportation, with little information readily available regarding the standard of accessibility of these spaces. To combat this issue, Inclusion Atlas utilises User Generated Content. Our platform involves users through voting and rating systems, uploading photos of venues and other voluntary micro-tasks, gamified with a detailed scoring system, unlocking achievements and user badges to encourage participants. User-generated reviews and ratings are collected and collated into a database, wherein customers can explore local businesses, public spaces, infrastructure and greenspaces with the knowledge that their contributions and concerns have been recognised and accounted for.
The interests of communities are at the forefront of all decisions related to the development of Inclusion Atlas. The platform sets itself apart from other inclusivity-based applications on the market as it supports a wider range of individuals, alongside those living with disability. Our platform caters to many different community groups who are often marginalised and socially excluded. These include, but are not limited to the LGBTQIA+ community, people of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people of diverse age groups.
Unlike other popular venue reviewing sites, business owners are not publicly shamed or coerced into change. Instead, venue owners are guided by direct feedback from their clientele and communities to collaborate and communicate in such a way to bring about solutions that fulfil the needs and necessities of all users. The idea for this project was sparked by Cultural Infusion’s Junior Project Manager, Saman Akbaryan, who is an IT Masters graduate and wheelchair user himself. Saman has experienced the difficulties faced by marginalised and diverse groups firsthand, and is the visionary leader for this project. Led by Cultural Infusion’s Chief Technology Officer and Senior Project Manager, Rezza Moieni, who has a Masters in Computer Science, Inclusion Atlas is designed to catalogue and classify not only the physical qualities of spaces, but also their phenomenological and experiential characteristics. We aim to provide a holistic solution for communities and businesses alike to document, track, and create meaningful change in their psycho-social environment.