Building Accessibility Together: ASSIST and USV Strengthen Collaboration through the A(I)BILITIES Project

Bridging Academia and Industry: A Model for Productive, Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Since day one, the collaboration between ASSIST Software and the MintViz Lab at Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (USV) has proven to be highly productive and results-driven. The interdisciplinary nature of the work ensures that both academic excellence and practical applicability remain at the core of the A(I)BILITIES project. Regular meetings, held every 2 to 3 weeks depending on the project's phase and synchronization needs, serve as a vital space for planning, exchanging insights, and refining research and development efforts.

These sessions are more than status updates — they are strategic co-design moments where the partners discuss prototypes, brainstorm future directions, and troubleshoot challenges together. From aligning technical decisions to reviewing dissemination plans, the two teams maintain an open and transparent workflow.

Project status

The A(I)BILITIES project aims to develop cutting-edge generative AI technologies capable of automatically creating user interfaces that adapt to the diverse abilities and preferences of users with disabilities. By learning from real user interactions, these AI models will not only generate accessible designs but will also continuously improve and personalize the experience over time.

With steady progress and a strong work dynamic, we are well on track to reaching the key milestones planned for the end of 2025, with the scope of work clearly defined and a strong foundation in place. In parallel, market research is underway to better understand user needs, industry trends, and real-world adoption scenarios — ensuring that our solutions are not only innovative but also relevant and impactful.

The teams have conducted an in-depth analysis of iOS and particularly Android platforms to explore technical possibilities for enhancing accessibility on mainstream devices. The system architecture is being co-developed by ASSIST and MintViz Lab, ensuring alignment between research and implementation. In parallel, key metrics for evaluating usability and accessibility have been established, setting the stage for future development and testing phases.