The paper investigates the use of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence, GPS technologies, and 3D modeling to improve wayfinding systems inside and around hospitals, especially for vulnerable users with sensory, cognitive, or motor impairments. The study proposes a multilevel immersion framework combining Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to guide users from urban-scale navigation to indoor hospital routing. The methodology integrates 360° scans, 3D models, geolocation systems, audio and visual guidance, VR glasses, touchscreens, and AI-based route optimization to create accessible navigation experiences adapted to different disability groups. The research develops a scalable navigation strategy structured across urban, environmental, and architectural scales, emphasizing inclusive healthcare accessibility and user-centered spatial orientation.
AR Applications: Wayfinding at Health Centres for Disabled Users
The term wayfinding describes the processes people go through to find their way round an envi-ronment. People’s perception of the environment, their ability to orientate themselves spatially, the cognitive and decision-making processes, and the information available, all affect how successfully they find their way. At hospitals and healthcare centres a specific wayfinding strategy is needed. Emerging technologies as computer-based and stand-alone navigation systems tailored to the needs of various types of disabled users. Accordingly, they meet requirements of psychology and human behaviour, and communication technologies. GPS technology, 3D modelling and Augmented Reality (AR) among other, are revolutionising the way people navigate. Such solutions applied to motor and sensorially disabled people, and mentally impaired users become an increasing societal demand in the face of EU integration challenges. The University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid, Spain) is used as a case study.