Pathfinder is an inclusive navigational system designed to assist anyone along any route. It is based on three elements: first, in-built local, national and international data loaded onto a mobile device, usually a phone; second, an online website adding 'up-to-the-minute' information created and updated by communities using Wiki-style websites; and third, geographical tags that hold digital information.
To store information, the system can use QR codes, a type of two-dimensional barcode, or RFID technology, which is becoming increasingly popular on mobile phones.
In May 2009, Pathfinder won a merit award at the Society for Environmental Graphic Design's annual conference in San Diego, USA. It was also shortlisted as a finalist in the Danish Index Awards, the world's largest award scheme for design to improve life.
The Helen Hamlyn Centre and inventor David Sweeney have begun to explore ways of bringing products and services based around the research to market. A consulting agreement has been entered into with Dr Martin Sabry of Aideas to explore this further.
