In 2011, both Minnesota and Stockholm, made a similar size investment in two separate projects aimed at improving the mobility of blind people across the city. Looking back at both projects, we ask: how can it be possible that the two implemented solutions that address the visually impaired population are so different in their approach and outcome? At Citymart, we found that when cities open up their problems as opposed to prescriptively defining the solutions they are looking for, they become more emphatic. Open and empathetic cities, as in some of the examples we will present, are supportive environments where innovation can take place and the needs of groups with special needs are cater for with the best possible solution in the market.  

This talk is part of our re:think mobility track, presented by Daimler.