NavSight: Visual Assistant for Walking Outdoors

Highlights what matters while you walk outdoors.

About NavSight

NavSight uses your iPhone camera and on-device AI to detect people, vehicles, crossings, and obstacles in real time, then makes them stand out with bold, customizable highlights. Everything runs entirely on your device — no internet connection, no account, and nothing leaves your phone.

NavSight originates from a research project by Yuheng Wu at the University of Wisconsin, created to help people with low vision better notice important objects — such as people, vehicles, and obstacles — when navigating outdoors.

Contact us

Questions, feedback, or trouble using the app? We'd love to hear from you.

yuheng.wu@wisc.edu

Frequently asked questions

What does NavSight do?

It recognizes objects in your camera view and draws clear highlights over them, so the things you care about are easier to notice as you move outdoors.

Can I change how highlights look?

Yes. You can sort objects into augmentation groups and give each group its own look — contour outlines, solid color overlays, increased brightness, or flashing emphasis — and choose high-contrast colors that work for your vision. You can also darken the background or render the background in grayscale so highlights stand out more.

Does NavSight need an internet connection?

No. All detection happens on your device. The app works fully offline. Because this processing runs continuously while the app is open, be aware that it uses more battery than a typical app. We try our best to optimize its efficiency.

What data does NavSight collect?

NavSight needs only camera access to work. It does not require your location, contacts, or any account, and it does not track you.

Which devices are supported?

NavSight runs on iPhone 11 or newer with iOS 16 or later. On iPhone 11, the app runs at about 12–13 frames per second; on iPhone 12 or newer, it runs at 25 frames per second or higher. Newer devices are also more accurate.

Important safety note

NavSight is a visual assistance tool, not a navigation or mobility device. It does not detect every object or hazard, and it can make mistakes. Use it the same way you would use any other visual assistant app, and do not rely on it for safety. Always stay aware of your surroundings and continue to use your usual mobility aids and judgment.