A ground-breaking trial has taken place at Pimlico Tube station to assist blind and partially-sighted people to navigate independently.

The Wayfindr system has been developed by ustwo, a studio which builds digital products and services, and works using Bluetooth beacons and a smartphone app.

It was made in response to the Royal London Society for Blind People (RLSB) Youth Forum’s desire to be able to navigate London Underground without assistance.

Sixteen Bluetooth beacons were placed in Pimlico Tube station which transmit a signal that can be picked up by smartphones and mobile devices.

Wayfindr uses these signals with ustwo’s indoor positioning technology to locate itself and give audible directions to the user. The app is paired with commonly available ‘bone conduction’ earphones that do not prevent wearers from hearing the sounds around them.

After initial trials, ustwo and RLSB approached London Underground and the trial took place at Pimlico from February 2 to March 13.

RLSB Youth Forum member Courtney Nugent said: “When I tested the app at Pimlico for the first time it was awesome, it made me feel free.”