Auxi- Audio accessible taxi
For most of us, finding a taxi in the middle of a busy road seems like the most casual task. Even in the case the roads are empty or our starting point is a specific place, we can call a taxi through an app or through the special lines available for that cause. For disabled people on the other hand, in this situation people with visual impairments and motor disabilities, this mundane task, is another obstacle to overcome.
The idea of this group of people being able to ride wherever they want without being dependant on anybody, inspired us to create Auxi, an audio oriented app,which provides transportation services for disabled people, and is activated through voice commands. The app will not require any direct contact between the company and the customers, but will be based on the interaction with the driver.
As mentioned before our target group are people with visual impairments and motor disabilities, and in general people who need audio in order to function, whether that disability is temporary or permanent. Our main idea is that, since it’s already difficult for these groups to operate in a society made for fully abled people, why not start being more inclusive, even if it is something as simple as being able to hale a cab. The app will be based in Athens and Thessaloniki, for starters, and an expansion will be discussed after the first assessment. There is no age or gender limitation in our target group, providing that no kid under 16, is unattended.
The personas based on our clientele, include Marios a 41 year old engineer, who has glaucoma and slowly losing his vision. Marios would like to maintain his everyday life as much as possible , even without his perfect vision. Since Marios has no problem with technology, our app would be the perfect solution for him. The drivers with whom we will collaborate, will have undergone training, and would know exactly what to do in order to make the experience for people like Marios as pleasant as possible. While also the vehicles that will be used, will be adapted to cater to the customers’ special needs.
Our second persona is Mia, a 24 year old with cerebral palsy. Despite her motor disability, Mia lives independantly and is fighting to bring more awareness to the problems someone has to face while trying to live a normal life with a disability. Mia is a client we wouldn’t like to lose, since the app is a part of her everyday life, and as a blogger she is also promoting it. We aim to promote the app throught different types of socials, such as instagram, podcasts, youtube, spotify , and even TV and radio. Fan aspects of the experience also incude, customised music playlists depending on each passenger, gifts, promo and discount codes, which Mia definately uses.
Our main competitors, are other transportation apps such as uber and beat, who in the face of the competition are trying to adapt and find new ways to be creative. Our goal is to keep on track and constantly brainstorm, to accomodate our app users even more.
To compensate for the cost of the app, which includes a specific amount of money spent on wheelchair accessible vehicles, car insurance, professional trainings for drivers, whole platform maintenance incentives paid to drivers, and marketing services, the company will rely partly on the key partners. Including collaborations with investors and payment processors.
Special thanks to : Betty Tsakarestou and Domnika Skreta
