Already familiar to many a bespoken user, today a team from Blackwood went to the RBS HQ in Gorgarburn just outside Edinburgh to see the newest installation site for the Pedestrian Neatebox.

We’ve previously discussed the Neatebox app on bespoken which enables people who have severe mobility issues to use pedestrian crossings with confidence. This week, the BBC, as well as bespoken were keen to find out the latest about this accessibility gem, created by CEO Gavin Neate, which recently made it to the semi-final of Richard Branson’s pitch to rich contest. Gavin first realised the need for such an app after having worked for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and discovering the difficulties some people with disabilities had with pedestrian crossings.

Having joined the bespoken team as a volunteer only this week, I was lucky to get to take part in such a great project and work closely with professionals. We set up our cams and started capturing shots from multiple angles, trying to shine a light on the key features of this app which uses proximity aware technology to take the hassle (and danger) out of pedestrian crossings.

We started the shoot filming Gavin talking Ian Hamilton, a journalist for the BBC, who has been visually impaired since birth and requires the use of a guide dog. After we had taken a few shots, we moved onto the next segment which was to film Mike Harrison, a friend of Gavin’s and a wheelchair user using the app to cross the road. Cue more running around with a camera and grabbing shots from left, right and centre. Special thanks to Mike whose good nature and patience held firm.

We finished the day by interviewing Gavin himself and Mike, who also happens to be the Secretary of the Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance. Gavin gave a brief overview of his invention, saying;

“For a lot of people, just pressing the button is a real challenge. If you’re on a scooter, or if you’re visually impaired, or a whole host of other disabilities, then it can be a real challenge. At Neatebox we wanted to find a way … so we put it into a simple SmartPhone app running in the background, put it back into your pocket, and the phone presses the button for you.”

Gavin believes the app would also be beneficial for non-disabled people, for example if the person was carrying a lot of shopping bags or was pushing a buggy with two children.

Mike also believes the invention is good progress as it makes crossings easier to use. He mentions that;

“One of the problems that I have with pedestrian crossings is actually getting to the button. In many cases, the button is in a difficult position – too far away from the crossing. I have difficulties with using my right hand and finds he often has to reach over to press the button.”

The footage filmed on the day will be available on bespoken very shortly and you can view the BBC Scotland report this Friday.

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