BeBold

Be Bold tackles the everyday mobility challenges of visually impaired people in fast, chaotic urban environments and proposes a sensor‑based, smart, yet emotionally uplifting cane that blends safety, guidance, and dignity into a single product.

The project began with a simple question:
What if the cane became smarter without losing its familiar feel, quietly warning of dangers while still looking something you’d be proud to carry?

To answer that, we talked with visually impaired people locally and around the world to better understand their everyday challenges. We listened to their experiences and learned they didn’t want a high-tech gadget to replace the cane—they wanted the same trusted tool, just more aware, more protective, and less tiring to use. Above all, they asked for fewer surprises, less mental load, and a design that respects their style and dignity.

From this, the idea of Be Bold was born: a smart cane that keeps the familiar shape and usage of a white cane, but adds an invisible layer of intelligence. The concept is simple: the cane quietly scans the area ahead and around the user, then translates danger into clear, gentle feedback. Instead of forcing the user to constantly look at a screen or listen to a loud voice, the cane speaks through subtle vibrations or short audio cues. The user still leads; the cane simply becomes a more protective partner.

Inside the cane, sensors are checking for obstacles not just on the ground, but also at higher levels and from different directions.
When something is too close, a low sign, a parked car sticking out, a fast object in the way, the handle gently vibrates or gives a short cue before you hit it. You don’t need to change how you walk; you only adjust when the cane alerts you. The goal is not to flood you with information, but to give just enough warning to make walking feel calmer and safer.

A digital prototype was developed to combine mobility support with smart safety features. It features a camera at the top for capturing images or aiding navigation, a built-in shaft light to illuminate dark paths, and a handle with a textured grip and SOS button for stability and emergency assistance, making the cane both practical and tech-enhanced.

The smart cane features a detachable camera head that enhances environmental awareness and can be easily removed for maintenance or upgrades. Its foldable body allows for convenient storage and portability, making it practical for travel and everyday use. The impact-resistant feet are designed to absorb shocks and withstand constant contact with various surfaces, ensuring durability and long-term reliability.

Aesthetics and personalization were central to the cane’s design. Its modern shape helps break the stigma often associated with the traditional white cane, making it feel more like a companion than just an aid. The cane keeps a clean, minimal silhouette, so it still feels like a familiar mobility tool. Colors and details are chosen to feel modern and confident, not medical or fragile.

The application, Cordi, embodies this all-inclusive way-finding concept. Designed specifically for blind and visually impaired users, Cordi provides real-time voice guidance both indoors and outdoors, helping users navigate their surroundings with confidence and independence.

Non-sighted users can pair Cordi with their BeBold smart cane after logging in, or they can use the app independently. The app allows users to create a personalized navigation assistant tailored to their individual preferences, enhancing mobility, safety, and independence.

By default, tracking is enabled, and Cordi provides regular updates on your distance from your current location. When traveling by bus, it notifies you of your stops and current position. If a user gets lost, pressing the SOS button on the cane prompts Cordi to immediately alert a designated contact for assistance.