Bursa’s primary urban challenge is the lack of digital wayfinding and independent mobility within the city, particularly for elderly people, persons with disabilities, and citizens with limited mobility. The issue is not limited to physical access; it also directly affects fundamental social objectives such as participation and digital inclusion. For this reason, the challenge is addressed under the “Happy Cities” category and represents a serious barrier to achieving a dignified and accessible urban life. According to the Bursa Transportation Master Plan 2035, approximately 12% of the city’s population—around 130,000 people—experience structural and systemic problems related to independent mobility. This figure clearly demonstrates the scope and strategic importance of the issue. Similar accessibility challenges are not unique to Bursa. In Türkiye, major metropolitan areas such as Istanbul and Ankara also face such gaps, influenced by dynamics like rapid urbanization and an aging population. In Europe, pioneering cities in digitalization such as Helsinki and Tallinn have launched various pilot initiatives in accessibility (for example, NaviLens and WCAG-compliant digital services). However, these solutions are often deployed only in limited areas and are rarely scaled citywide. Research shows that accessible digital wayfinding systems are still not being addressed with a holistic approach in many cities.
