Wayfinding design guidelines

Compiled by Ron Apelt, John Crawford and Dennis Hogan

CRC for Construction Innovation

Publication supported by Queensland Government Disability Services

© Icon.Net Pty Ltd 2007
Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation
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Telephone: +61 7 3138 9291
Email: enquiries@construction-innovation.info
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All intellectual property in the ideas, concepts and design for this publication belongs to Icon.Net Pty Ltd.
The authors, the Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation, Icon.Net Pty Ltd, and their respective boards, stakeholders, officers, employees and agents make no representation or warranty concerning the accuracy or completeness of the information in this work. To the extent permissible by law, the aforementioned persons exclude all implied conditions or warranties and disclaim all liability for any loss or damage or other consequences howsoever arising from the use of the information in this book.

Disclaimer

In particular, and to avoid doubt, the use of the guidelines does not: guarantee acceptance or accreditation of a design, material or building solution by any entity authorised to do so under any laws mean that a design, material or building solution complies with the Building Code of Australia
absolve the user from complying with any Local, State, and Territory or Australian Government legal requirements.
First published 2007 by Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation, for Icon.Net Pty Ltd.
Cover images © Queensland Department of Public Works
For further information on our publications, including Wayfinding system audit, please visit our website: www.construction-innovation.info
RRP $27.50
ISBN 978-0-9804262-9-8
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It is generally taken for granted that people are aware of their surroundings and can navigate from one place to another. However, for an individual with a disability finding your way in often complex surroundings can be difficult.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation leads a collaboration of committed research professionals to develop a number of wayfinding solutions — creating a more accessible, more inclusive built environment.

The team comprises representatives from the Department of Public Works; the Building Commission, Victoria; the Australian Building Codes Board; the Queensland University of Technology and the CSIRO, as well as other interested individuals.

The team’s work was recognised with a 2007 Disability Action Week Award, and their latest research has resulted in this significant and practical booklet. The inclusive design principles, techniques, strategies and solutions will help resolve problems associated with wayfinding, not only for people with a disability but also for the whole community.

I commend this book to you.

Honourable Rob Schwarten MP
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology

The Disability Services Act 2006 aims to ensure that the conditions of everyday life for people with a disability are the same as, or as close as possible, to the conditions enjoyed by the general community.

This Wayfinding design guidelines booklet is an important resource that provides practical and cost-effective solutions to help designers, developers, property owners and managers do their part in improving access to buildings, properties, and spaces for all people.

It complements a range of strategies which have been introduced by the Queensland Government which aim to enhance people’s ability to participate fully in their communities.

It is my pleasure to support this very practical booklet which offers people with a disability real solutions
for wayfinding through their community, and I commend it to you.

The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr MP
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth

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This publication, Wayfinding design guidelines, outlines a practical and comprehensive design method to wayfinding using an inclusive design approach. The guidelines assist designers as well as developers, property owners and property managers in identifying ways of improving access to, into and through their new or existing property, particularly buildings and large complex facilities. The material sources include expert knowledge from architects, landscape architects, lawyers, engineers, building surveyors, building regulators, access consultants, local expertise and persons with a disability.

These guidelines complement the other project publication — Wayfinding system audit.

Construction Innovation looks forward to continuing to provide practical outcomes of benefit to the community and enhancing the future of the Australian construction industry.

John McCarthy
Chair
CRC for Construction Innovation

Dr Keith Hampson
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for Construction Innovation

Wayfinding design guidelines compiled by Ron Apelt, John Crawford and Dennis Hogan is based on the outcomes of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Construction Innovation project documented in the research report Wayfinding in the Built Environment.

Wayfinding in the Built Environment project team members

Project leader

Project researchers

Project contributors and reviewers

Project affiliates

Contributing access consultants

Without the financial and collaborative efforts bringing together such teams, this valuable report could not have been successfully delivered to our industry.

The Wayfinding project participants would like to thank and acknowledge Colleen Foelz (Communication and publications, CRC for Construction Innovation) for the management of this publication.

Project partners

Government

Research

Publication sponsor

Disability Services Queensland

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The CRC for Construction Innovation is a national research, development and implementation centre focused on the needs of the property, design, construction and facility management sectors. Established in 2001 and headquartered at Queensland University of Technology under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Program, Construction Innovation is developing key technologies, tools and management systems to improve the effectiveness of the construction industry. Construction Innovation is supported by investment from its industry, government and research partners, leveraged by a Commonwealth grant. More than 350 individuals and an alliance of 27 leading partner organisations are involved in and support the activities of this CRC.

There are three research areas:
Program A: Business and Industry Development
Program B: Sustainable Built Assets
Program C: Delivery and Management of Built Assets.

Underpinning these research programs is an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Platform
Construction Innovation’s future research activities will build upon our strengths in sustainability, digital modelling, safety and improved project delivery. With increased industry engagement and support from its partners, this CRC is recognised for our unique role in providing leadership of industry-wide research and development. We are committed to continuing to provide valuable outcomes for Australian industry through applied research, education and technology transfer for the future.

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Accessible

Buildings or spaces with features to permit use by people with disabilities. Building Code of Australia (2007).

Accessway

A continuous accessible path of travel to, or within, a building suitable for people with disabilities.

Atlas Strider

An Atlas Strider combines a talking map system with a GPS positioning device. Atlas Strider systems use a spatial language interface — the environment around the pedestrian is explained verbally (e.g. ‘On your left there is a bus stop’).

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless specification for connecting mobile products such as mobile computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, and other portable devices. CRC for Construction Innovation (2006).

Braille

A system of touch reading for people who are blind or vision impaired that employs raised dots, evenly arranged in quadrangular letter spaces or cells. Braille symbols are formed within units of space known as braille cells. A full braille cell consists of six raised dots arranged in two parallel rows each having three dots. The dot positions are identified by numbers from one through six. Sixty-four combinations are possible using one or more of these six dots. A single cell can be used to represent an alphabet letter, number, punctuation mark, or a whole word.

When every letter of every word is expressed in braille, it is referred to as Grade 1 braille (uncontracted).

Grade 2 braille uses a similar system of cells, either individually or in combination with others, to form a variety of abbreviations and contractions or whole words. Grade 2 braille is the more commonly used form in publications and signage.

Australia inherited the British system of braille as compared with the American system and is referred to as Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) Grade 1 braille.

This system of braille is constantly being reviewed and upgraded. Refer to the Australian Braille Authority (ABA) website: http://www.e-bility.com/roundtable/aba/ and http://www.ebility.com/roundtable/aba/braillecodes_aust04.php

Braille Signage

Braille Signage is a specialist wayfinding device that incorporates UEBC Grade 1 braille as a primary source of information for people who are vision impaired and may be aided with raised tactile lettering, maps or pictorial images.

Some areas that may require special signs include:
accessible parking spaces and passenger loading zones, accessible entrances, accessible toilets and parent rooms, directions and information signs regarding functional areas, directions to the nearest accessible facility posted at non-accessible facilities, designated areas for emergency assistance, volume control telephones, tactile signs identifying all permanently designated rooms and spaces, elevator and lift signage approaching stairways, escalators, travelators, ramps or overhead obstructions less than two metres above the ground where no suitable barrier exists.

Refer current Building Code of Australia and Blind Citizens Australia (BCA)
http://www.bca.org.au/Accessible_Environments_Signage_Specification.htm

Continuous accessible path of travel (refer also to 'universal accessway')

An uninterrupted path of travel to, from or within a building, providing access to all required facilities. A continuous accessible path of travel should not incorporate any step, stairway, turnstile, revolving door, escalator or other impediment that would prevent it from being safely negotiated by people with disabilities. AS1428.1, part 1: General requirements for access — New building work, Building Code of Australia (2007).

Contrasting textures act as tactile markers, which people can identify by touch. Examples include carpet matting on a vinyl floor surface, domed buttons on handrails to indicate the end of the stairway or ramp is approaching, and tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) at the top and bottom of stairs. Building Code of Australia (2007) Section D3.8 Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) and Royal Blind Society (2003).

Colour contrast

Viewing of any object involves the concept of ‘figure–ground relationship’ — the more an object contrasts with its surrounds, the more visible it is.

The concept of ‘figure-ground relationship’ also includes the relationship between ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ space and the effective use of colour combinations. The basic guidelines for making effective colour choices use Itten’s devised seven colour contrasts: saturation, light, dark, extension (or contrast of proportion), complements, hue, warm and cool.

These devised seven colour contrasts (or methodologies) for coordinating colours use the hues’ contrasting properties (not physical and chemical properties) of colours. Primary colours, yellow, red and blue, produce the strongest contrast.

These colour contrasts add other variations to the intensity of the hues: contrasts may be obtained due to light, moderate or dark value. The colour contrast becomes weaker with secondary or tertiary colours or as the
saturation decreases.

Disability

A condition or state of being, which is covered by the broad Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth) definition. The term includes physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual and neurological disabilities, physical disfigurement and the presence in the body causing, or capable of causing, disease.
CRC for Construction Innovation (2006).

Forward-up equivalence principle

The upward direction on a map which must always show what is in front of the viewer. Levine (2003).

Geographic Information System (GIS

A computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying spatial data related to positions on the earth’s surface. Typically, a GIS is used for handling maps of one kind or another, which might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature, for example, roads. CRC for Construction Innovation (2006).

Global Positioning System

Satellite system to provide information about any location such as the latitude, longitude, altitude or elevation of any location. Crawford et al. (2005).

Hoople Mobility Aid

Hoople Mobility Aid is a mobility aid developed by the Royal National College for the Blind, UK.

Illuminance

The luminous flux falling onto a unit area of surface. Building Code of Australia (2007).

Luminance contrast

Luminance contrast is seen when two adjacent areas differ in the intensity of light reflected or emitted from them. There is a difference between the light energy reaching the observer’s eyes from the two areas and a boundary is perceived between the brighter and darker areas. The luminance contrast is obtained by measuring the luminance factor of the surfaces and comparing them under natural and artificial lighting conditions and all weather conditions.

Luminance contrast is preferred to colour contrast alone. The use of luminance contrast is very helpful to assist people who are vision impaired locate important aspects of a building such as doorways, signs, handrails, shorelines, hazards and objects of interest. Luminance contrast can also be used to highlight potential hazards such as the edges of steps or a roadway. Adapted from AS1428.4:2002 part 4: Tactile indicators, Appendix F Laboratory and On-site Measurement of Luminance Contrast (Normative).

MoBIC

The MoBIC Travel Aid (MoTA) consists of two interrelated components: the MoBIC Pre-journey System (MoPS) to assist users in planning journeys and the MoBIC Outdoor System (MoODS) to execute these plans by providing users with orientation and navigation assistance during journeys.

Mowat Sensor

Mowat Sensor is a small hand-held device that uses high-frequency sound to detect objects within a narrow beam. The entire sensor vibrates if an object is present.

NOMAD

NOMAD is an audio tactile tool (interface) for using and managing spatially distributed information by people who are blind or vision impaired.

Nottingham Obstacle Detector

The Nottingham Obstacle Detector (NOD) is a hand-held sonar device that provides an auditory feedback that indicates eight discrete levels of distance by different musical tones.

Shoreline or trail

A shoreline is a detectable outline along, or around, part, or all, of a building. A trail is a linear path of travel or designated corridor such as building frontages and pathways. CRC for Construction Innovation (2006).

Sonic Guide

The Sonic Guide is an eyeglass-configured sonar-type device available for the orientation and mobility of people who are blind. It operates by emitting towards target objects and receiving modulated stimuli whose intensity and frequency components directly result from the distance and physical properties of the target.

Tactile

Tactile means information and interpretations derived from the sense of touch. This involves sensory transfer through physical contact of the hands or feet with other surfaces, as well as sensory transfers received by contact with non-physical elements such as pressure, wind and temperature. Adapted from CRC Construction Innovation (2006).

Tactile signs (Refer also to Braille Signage): Tactile signage incorporates raised text or symbols to enable touch reading by people who are blind, and touch enhancement of visual perception for people who are vision impaired.

Tactile Ground Surface Indicator (TGSI)

TGSI are areas of raised ground surface texture treatment, designed to provide people who are blind or vision impaired with warning and directional orientation information.

Typically, square tiles with regular, raised patterns are laid in various patterns at key points to indicate where ground levels or directions change.
TGSIs should be provided at the following locations:

• Stairways, escalators, ramps and travelators
• Kerb ramps and step ramps
• Pedestrian crossings at roadways
• Pedestrian crossings in high-use vehicular areas, e.g. car parks
• Vehicle pick-up and drop-off areas
• Railway platforms
• Passenger wharves
• Car park crossings
• Bus stops
• Trams/light rail
• Level path/carriageway junctions
• Projecting hazards in circulation spaces
• Change of direction, directional indicators

Adapted from AS1428.2:1992 Design for access and mobility, part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements — Buildings and facilities and AS/NZ1428.4:2002 Design for access and mobility, part 4: Tactile indicators.

Universal accessway (refer Continuous accessible path of travel)

A universal accessway is a dedicated and marked route within the public domain that provides a continuous accessible path of travel: within the boundary of the site from transport stops, accessible parking, accessible passenger loading zones, public streets or walkways to building entrances that connects accessible buildings, facilities and spaces on the same site and connects building, entrances with all accessible spaces and facilities within a building, and connects the entrances of each building with exterior and interior spaces and facilities that minimises the distances travelled between all elements of buildings and spaces.
 
As a guideline dimension for an external universal accessway, the space should have an optimum minimum vertical and horizontal clearance of
2000 mm. Wherever possible, an all-weather cover is recommended to and from a building, but it is essential that an all-weather cover is placed at the building entrance.

Vision impairment

Vision impairment is any significant loss of sight. Adapted from AS1428.4:2002 part 4: Tactile indicators.

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Chapter 1: Wayfinding

Wayfinding is about effective communication, and relies on a succession of communication clues delivered through our sensory system of visual, audible, tactile and olfactory elements. There are four primary wayfinding elements: architectural, graphic, audible, and tactile communication. In addition, clues such as culinary aromas from coffee shops, restaurants and aromatic plants and flowers are useful as navigational aids for people who are blind or vision impaired.

In Building Guidelines for Mental Health Facilities (1996), Queensland Health notes wayfinding as:

The ease with which one proceeds and is facilitated through an environment from one point of interest to another. Wayfinding systems include such components as basic layout of building and site, interior and exterior landmarks, views to outside, signs, floor and room numbering, spoken directions, maps, directories, logical progression of spaces, colour coding.

The US Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) (2001) advises:

Wayfinding refers to techniques used by people who are blind or visually impaired as they move from place to place independently and safely. Wayfinding is typically divided into two categories: orientation and mobility. Orientation concerns the ability for one to monitor his or her position in relationship to the environment; and mobility refers to one’s ability to travel safely, detecting and avoiding obstacles and other potential hazards. In general terms, wayfinding is the ability to: know where you are, where you are headed, and how best to get there; recognize when you have reached your destination; and find your way out — all accomplished in a safe and independent manner.

Wayfinding systems are measured by how users experience an environment and how the communicative elements facilitate getting from point A to point B. Wayfinding systems should reassure users, create a welcoming and enjoyable environment and, ideally, provide answers to potential queries before users have to ask for assistance. Wayfinding systems can also indicate where users should not go.
A successful wayfinding system should provide information for users to:

• confirm they are at the correct start or finish point of an individual journey
• identify their location within a building or an external space
• reinforce they are travelling in the right direction
• orient themselves within a building or an external space
• understand the location and any potential hazards
• identify their destination on arrival
• escape safely in an emergency.

• identification
• reinforcement
• orientation
• destination.

• architectural clues
• graphic communication
• audible communication
• tactile communication (Muhlhausen, 2000).

Wayfinding is the organization and communication of our dynamic relationship to space and the environment.

CIDEA (2001) discusses the importance of structuring a wayfinding system around the design of spaces. Wayfinding requires designers to organise and communicate the dynamic relationships of space and the environment to allow people to:

• determine their location within a setting by identifying and marking these spaces
• identify their specific destination by grouping and linking similar spaces
• develop a plan that will take them from their location to their destination by linking and organising space through both architectural and graphic means in a safe barrier-free direction of travel.

The seven principles may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments.

Following these principles leads to a non-discriminatory design approach and provides increased usability for everyone without the need for adaptation or specialised design.

Principle 1: Equitable use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Principle 2: Flexibility in use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Principle 3: Simple and intuitive use
Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level.

Principle 4: Perceptible information
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

Principle 5: Tolerance for error
The design minimises hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Principle 6: Low physical effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture or mobility.

Copyright © 1997 NC State University, The Center for Universal Design

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Chapter 2: Wayfinding design principles

Wayfinding design principles provide a structure to organise the environment into a spatial hierarchy capable of supporting wayfinding tasks.

The basic wayfinding design principles are as follows.

1. Analyse the building or site for access points, taking into account the physical and aesthetic characteristics of the building or site. How will the site be accessed?
2. Divide the large-scale site into distinctive smaller parts, or zones of functional use, while preserving a ‘sense of place’ and connectivity between spaces.
3. Organise the smaller parts under a simple organisational principle, such as ‘use’. Devise a zonation plan with a logical and rational structure.
4. Provide frequent directional cues throughout the space, particularly at decision points along journeys in both directions.
5. The design of decision points must be logical, rational and obvious to a sighted user, ensuring the directional cues relate directly to a building or landscape space. Ensure sequencing and that the priority and grouping of message signs is unambiguous.
6. Design and implement a ‘naming protocol’ by choosing a theme for segregating places and spaces. Use names and symbols that can be easily remembered by users from diverse cultural backgrounds. Any naming protocol must be flexible enough to be adapted to changing functions in a building or throughout a landscape or public space.
7. Use a sequential, logical, rational and consistent naming protocol for places such as hospitals or educational institutions where buildings have been master planned and organised into a logical arrangement.
8. When considering a naming protocol of an alpha-numeric coding system such as ‘Room B3.7’, provide consistency within the coding system. For example:
   Room B3.7 reads Building ‘B’, Level 3 Room 7.
   Room C4.6 reads Building ‘C’, Level 4 Room 6.
   Block BS1 reads Building ‘B’ South, Entry 1.
   Block MN2 reads Building ‘M’ North, Entry 2.
9. Consider incorporating information in multiple languages or incorporating pictograms when devising a naming protocol.
10. Ensure the physical placement, installation and illumination of signs is suitable for all users.

Map design principles

1. Organise the environment into clear spaces either by abstraction or inclusion.
2. Show all organisational elements (paths, landmarks, districts) and use the organisational principle of only including important and memorable connections.
3. Show the user’s position.
4. Orient the map to the user, applying the ‘forward-up equivalence principle2’.
5. Ensure graphic communication is unambiguous and lettering is proportional to the layout so the map remains uncluttered.
6. Use a consistent form of communication e.g. colour coding or place names. Avoid alphanumeric coding because it is less memorable than place names.
7. Limit the information and ensure it is readable.
8. Provide sufficient information to lead the user
9. to the next wayfinding map or directional sign.
10. Incorporating electronic touch-screen directories can be very useful, particularly if a map can be printed. This type of directory can be easily updated. However, interactive touch-screen directories are mostly designed for sighted users, unless purpose-designed software is available (Disability Rights Commission, UK, 2006 3).
11. Ensure that the map design and signage in general provides three major functions: orientation and direction (connectivity between present location and desired location); identification of locations; relevant information for further decision making.

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Chapter 3: Wayfinding devices, systems and technologies

Wayfinding is the ‘ease with which one proceeds and is facilitated through an environment from one point of interest to another’ and the ‘techniques used by people who are blind or visually impaired as they move from place to place independently and safely’ (Queensland Health, 1996).

The aim of these design guidelines is to help developers, designers, property owners and managers identify viable, practical and cost-effective solutions to assist people who are blind or vision impaired and other people who require mobility assistance. This can be achieved by understanding the barriers that restrict safe travel paths and the techniques employed by users to find their destinations.

These guidelines are based on current understanding in cognitive psychology, linguistics and best practice in orientation and access as identified in the literature and in practice throughout the world (Jacobson, 1998).

Appendix C contains a matrix of devices, systems and technologies that provide useful, on-demand navigation information and aids for people who are blind or vision impaired, describing the environment and assisting them plan to reach their destinations.

Many assistive devices are discussed in the Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation project Wayfinding in the built environment (Stage 1, Stages 2 and 3 — Final reports, 2004–06). Where possible, these reports should be consulted. It is generally agreed that when Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs), raised tactile signage and braille signage are appropriately placed and designed, they are reliable, cost-effective assistive devices for people who are blind or vision impaired. They are also recognisable to sighted people.

The assistive devices in Table 1 are currently available for people who are blind or vision impaired. However, sophisticated electronic devices have advanced rapidly, leading to smaller, wearable devices, which are less obtrusive but, in some cases, expensive. Equally, the degree of sophistication of innovative devices maybe a psychological barrier, as well as an economic barrier, for many people. This issue means greater emphasis should be placed on the design of the built environment.

Table 1:Assistive devices for people who are blind or vision impaired

• Long cane
• Hoople
• Guide dog
• Human assistant
• Laser cane
• Mowat sensor
• Sonic guide
• Nottingham obstacle detector
• NOMAD
• Tactile displays, maps, arrays
• Personal guidance system
• MoBIC
• Atlas Strider
• Talking signs
• Auditory beacons
• Electronic strips
• Motion detectors
• Pressure detectors
• Barcode readers
• Beacons
• Braille or auditory compass
• Vision enhancing devices (monocular)
• Infrared detectors
  

(adapted from Golledge and Stimpson, 1997, p. 499).

Table 2 identifies physical and psychological barriers that can occur in the design of the built environment. These barriers should be removed
to provide a safe passage of travel.

Table 2 : Physical and psychological barriers to navigating through the built environment for people who are blind or vision impaired

• Pavement furniture
• Cars parked on pavement (sidewalk)
• Inability to read visual cues (e.g. street signs)
• Construction and repair
• Irregular, uneven or broken surface
• Crowds of people
• Steps
• Traffic lights without audible or pedestrian sequence
• Weather
• Lack of railings
• Imperceptible kerb cuts (dropped kerbs)
• Elevators
• Distance
• Door location
• Door handles
• Nonstandard fixtures (shop front rails, baskets and stalls)
• Traffic hazards
• Surface textures (lack of)
• Overhead obstructions (overhanging signs, cables, vegetation)
• Lack of cues (e.g. uniform open space)
• Gradient

These guidelines do not recommend prescriptive design standards; instead they provide universal design solutions and strategies that broaden and enhance the usability of buildings and sites for everyone, including people who are blind or vision impaired or people who are mobility impaired.
Wayfinding requires designers to organise and communicate the dynamic relationships of space and the environment to allow people to:

• determine their location within a setting by identifying and marking these spaces
• identify their specific destination by grouping and linking similar spaces
• develop a plan that will take them from their location to their destination by linking and organising spaces through both architectural and graphic means in a safe barrier free direction of travel.

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Chapter 4: Design solutions and strategies

These suggested design solutions and strategies include wayfinding design criteria and design principles for critical decision-making points within the built environment. The suggested design solutions and strategies are additional to any requirements of the Building Code of Australia for wayfinding.

4.1 Communicating spatial information

Ensure accessible parking spaces are provided close to the main entry of buildings and are located adjacent to a universal accessway.

4.5 Issue: internal arrival point

Many signs are not legible when viewed from a distance. The following recommendations can assist in the optimal readability of signs.

• Colour contrast on the sign.
• Luminance contrast between the background and the letters and graphics.
• Clear definition of buildings, roads, pathways, bridges and other built
• elements such as landmarks or prominent site features.
• Sufficient detail of the building form or layout, maintaining the hierarchy of form and layout.
• Informative content providing unambiguous directions.
• Combination of pictograms, raised tactile signage letters and numbers, and braille signage. Raised tactile signage and braille signage should be positioned between 1200 mm and 1600 mm above ground or floor level, outside the swing of doorways or other fixtures, so it can be read without physical discomfort to the reader.
• Suitable font style and spacing between letters and words. For example, a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters is easier to read than all uppercase. The size, type and layout of lettering on signs should be clearly legible and easily understood. Typeface should be Sans Serif — Arial, MS Sans Serif, Tahoma, Futura, Geneva and Helvetica Medium are preferred. The size and spacing between letters and words should be in proportion to the size of the sign and amount of information provided.
• Avoid reflective surfaces which will hinder visibility and comprehension.
• Position lighting to reduce glare on signage with reflective surfaces.

4.7 Issue: restrooms and toilet facilities

• vehicular direction signs, internal roads, carparks and service areas: 60 mm
• external pedestrian direction signs: 60 mm
• internal direction signs: 30 mm
• building directory listings: 20 mm
• door signs: 17 mm
• tactile lettering: 15 mm (55 mm maximum)6.

For road signs, the speed of travel and the number of letters in the message bring in other factors; however, for lower road speed environments such as university campuses and hospitals, the letter height used for public roads is acceptable. Direction signs require a greater letter height than information signs (Greg and Signcorp, 2003). Refer to Appendix B for more details on suggested letter heights.

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Chapter 5: Signage hierarchical structure

• the colour scheme and general layout as the base, or background, layer
• specific logos, maps, pictograms and other symbols or artwork layered on top of the base
• textual information and directional arrows providing specific details.

The signage hierarchy is depicted in Table 3.

Figure 1: Signage hierarchy example.

• uniformity throughout all buildings and external spaces
• consistency in sign types to identify and recognise signage, for example, consistent materials and construction; consistent typeface, colours and logos; consistent graphic layouts and consistent overall appearance
  standardised message design, nomenclature and application protocols for each sign type
• standardised graphic protocols applied to typeface (font), colours, logos, arrows and pictograms7
• standardised room numbering and naming system protocol
• message legibility, considering the information from the perspective of a variety of users: occupants, visitors, service people and people who are vision impaired or mobility impaired
• standardised signage placement protocol for each sign type considering the placement of signs for people with disabilities.

• identification
• information
• directional
• safety or regulatory, prohibition and advisory (ADAS, 1999).

Figure 2: Map design and signage

Location: State Library of Queensland and Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) at Stanley Place, South Brisbane.

This map design and signage provides the three major functions of basic map design principles: orientation or direction (connectivity between present location and desired location); identification of locations; and relevant information for further decision making. Note the use of raised tactile lettering and braille, the ‘You are here’ graphics and the identification of major attractions and public facilities. The physical placement, installation and illumination of signage must be suitable for everyone.

This sign was developed in 2006 as part of the Millennium Arts Project at the Cultural Centre, an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. The Millennium Arts Project at the Cultural Centre included the construction of the new GoMA, redevelopment of the State Library of Queensland and construction of associated infrastructure. Project Manager: Department of Public Works.

State Library of Queensland

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA

Figure 3: The Arbour - universal accessway

Location: Southbank Parklands, South Brisbane

The Arbour, covered in vibrant magenta bougainvillea plants, acts as a spine through the centre of the parklands for one kilometre, leading the way to the parklands’ many attractions. This environmental design guidance feature (horticultural and landscape architectural design feature) enables visitors to orientate themselves from many locations within the parklands. Although not marked as a universal accessway, it is a clearly dedicated and marked route within the public domain that distinguishes its importance as a public right of way.

Master Planner: Denton Corker Marshall, Architecture and Urban Design, Melbourne
Photography by: Amanda McLucas 30 March 2007
Copyright: Department of Public Works.

Figure 4: Arbour and canopy - universal accessway

Location: Southbank Parklands, South Brisbane

Along the Arbour, amid the canopy of the bougainvillea, is a ribbon of yellow steel that provides shade and weather protection, but also acts as a recognised landmark (marker), identifying the adjacent places of the riverside restaurants, cafes and Suncorp Piazza. Shade and shelter are important environmental design guidance features.

Master Planner: Denton Corker Marshall, Architecture and Urban Design, Melbourne
Photography by: Amanda McLucas 30 March 2007
Copyright: Department of Public Works.

Figure 5: Landmark (marker) and tactile wayfinding trail

Location: Brisbane Square, George and Adelaide Streets, North Quay

This sign acts as a recognised landmark (marker) within the streetscape, identifying one of the entries to Brisbane Square and the community assets of the Brisbane City Council Library and Brisbane City Council Customer Service Centre. The marker provides important information for visitors to the square. The map design uses raised tactile lettering and braille, ‘You are here’ graphics and shows the direction of the major building attractions. Note the use of TGSIs at the base on the sign. The TGSIs form part of a designed tactile wayfinding trail, also referred to as a ‘tactile guide pathway’.
TGSIs are important to assist in safe wayfinding; however, they should not be over-used or over-prescribed. Designers should make full use of the range of environmental guidance features available to minimise inconvenience to other members of the community.

Brisbane Square Architect: Denton Corker Marshall Architecture and Urban Design, Melbourne Access Consultants (External): Andrew Sanderson of Blythe-Sanderson Group, Melbourne Access Consultants (Internal and Brisbane City Council External Adviser): John Deshon of John Deshon Pty Ltd
Environmental Graphic Designer: Dot Dash, Brisbane
Signage Contractor: K-Vee Signs, Brisbane
Design and Construct Contractor: Baulderstone Hornibrook
Photography by: Amanda McLucas 30 March 2007
Copyright: Department of Public Works.

Figure 6: Tactile wayfinding trail and shoreline

Location: Brisbane Square, North Quay

This arrangement of tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI), directional and warning (decision-making) tactile tiles, provides a direction of travel to what is commonly referred to as a ‘shoreline’, the building’s edge or a physical property edge. Note the unobstructed space along the length of the wall. Where the TGSI is an integrated unit, it should have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% compared to the amount of light reflected from the surface of the adjacent path of travel. A shoreline must be free of obstacles that could interrupt the continuous path of travel. A minimum obstacle-free space should be 2000 mm x 1500 mm (height x width) adjacent to the shoreline.

Brisbane Square Architect: Denton Corker Marshall Architecture and Urban Design, Melbourne Access Consultants (External): Andrew Sanderson of Blythe-Sanderson Group, Melbourne Access Consultants (Internal and Brisbane City Council External Adviser): John Deshon of John Deshon Pty Ltd
Environmental Graphic Designer: Dot Dash, Brisbane
Signage Contractor: K-Vee Signs, Brisbane
Design and Construct Contractor: Baulderstone Hornibrook
Photography by: Amanda McLucas 30 March 2007
Copyright: Department of Public Works.

Figure 7: Tactile wayfinding trail and shoreline

Location: Brisbane Square, North Quay

A shoreline is a very effective device that can be easily accommodated by not placing street furniture such as seats, rubbish bins, and signage or drink fountains within the dedicated accessway. This zone can easily be marked as a universal accessway, reminding users of the importance of an unobstructed space along the length of the path of travel.

Brisbane Square Architect: Denton Corker Marshall Architecture and Urban Design, Melbourne Access Consultants (External): Andrew Sanderson of Blythe-Sanderson Group, Melbourne Access Consultants (Internal and Brisbane City Council External Adviser): John Deshon of John Deshon Pty Ltd
Environmental Graphic Designer: Dot Dash, Brisbane
Signage Contractor: K-Vee Signs, Brisbane.
Design and Construct Contractor: Baulderstone Hornibrook
Photography by: Amanda McLucas 30 March 2007
Copyright: Department of Public Works.

5.8 Recommended reading

ADAS. (1999). Good Sign Practices. ADAS in association with E. Collis, Eye Catch Signs Ltd Nova Scotia, Canada, and I. Peterson, Automated Disability Access Systems, Brisbane and Melbourne Australia. The original document was modified, with permission, for the Australian context by B. Tolliday and I. Peterson, Brailliant Touch, Australia.

Barker, P. and Fraser J. (2000). Sign Design Guide. London: JMU Access Partnership and Sign Design Society in association with Royal National Institute of the Blind, London.

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References

Department of Urban Services. (n.d.) Design Standards for Urban Infrastructure 25 Urban Park And Open Space Signage. Based on the Signage Policy for Canberra Urban Parks and Places prepared by Minale Tattersfield Bryce & Partners (July 2001) with technical advice from landscape architects Dorrough Britz and Associates. Edition 1 Revision 0. Canberra:Australian Capital Territory Government. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.parksandplaces.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/28337/25_Urban_Park__and__Open_Space_Signage_Edition_1_Revision_0.pdf and http://www.parksandplaces.act.gov.au/publicplaces/designstandards

ADAS. (1999). Good Sign Practices. ADAS in association with E. Collis, Eye Catch Signs Ltd Nova Scotia, Canada, and I. Peterson, Automated Disability Access Systems, Brisbane and Melbourne Australia. The original document was modified, with permission, for the Australian context by B. Tolliday and I. Peterson, Brailliant Touch, Australia.

Arditi, A. (2005). Effective Color Contrast: Designing for People with Partial Sight and Color Deficiencies. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from Lighthouse International http://www.lighthouse.org/color_contrast.htm

Barker, P. & Fraser J. (2000). Sign Design Guide, JMU Access Partnership and Sign Design Society, Royal National Institute of the Blind, London.

Berger, C. (2005). Wayfinding: designing and implementing graphic navigational systems. Mies: Hove, RotoVision.

Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. (2001). Universal Design New York, 4.1C Wayfinding. New York: A City of New York Office of the Mayor Publication, Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, School of Architecture and Planning. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/udny/index.htm and http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/udny/Section4-1c.htm

Center for Universal Design. (1997). Compiled by Connell, B.R., Jones, M., Mace, R., Mueller, J., Mullick, A., Ostroff, E., Sanford, J., Steinfeld, E., Story, M., Vanderheiden, G. The Principles of Universal Design. Version 2.0. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciplestext.htm

http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/docs/use_guidelines.pdf

CRC for Construction Innovation (2004, 2006). Wayfinding in the Built Environment – Reports (Stage 1, 2 and Stage 3 – Final). Brisbane: Queensland University of Technology. Retrieved from http://www.construction-innovation.info/index.php?id=59 and http://www.construction-innovation.info/index.php?id=956

Gregg B. & Signcorp Australasia. (2003). UTS Sign Standards Manual. Sydney: University of Technology. Harry Williamson prepared the original manual, dated July 1996. Minale Tattersfield Bryce and Partners (MTB&P) expanded this volume considerably in October 1998. Signcorp Australasia prepared an upgrade of the existing UTS Signage Standards manual in September 2003. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.fmu.uts.edu.au/policies/Downloads/UTSSignStandards.pdf

Golledge, R.G. & Stimpson, R.J. (1997). Spatial Behaviour: a geographic perspective. New York: The Guilford Press.

Golledge, R.G. & Stimpson, R.J. (1997). pp. 493 and 499. Extracted from Jacobson R.D. (1998). Cognitive Mapping without Sight: Four Preliminary Studies of Spatial Learning, Journal of Environmental Psychology 18, pp. 289–305.

Jacobson R.D. (1998). Cognitive Mapping without Sight: Four Preliminary Studies of Spatial Learning. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18,
pp. 289–305.

Jacobson R.D. & Kitchin, R.M. (1997). GIS and people with visual impairments or blindness: Exploring the potential for education, orientation and navigation. Pearson Professional Limited. pp. 315–332. Belfast: School of Geosciences, Queen’s University.

Lam W.M.C. & Ripman, C.H. (1992). Perception & Lighting as Formgivers in Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Levine, D. ed. (2003). The NYC Guidebook to Accessibility and Universal Design. New York: Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://home.nyc.gov/html/ddc/pdf/udny/udny2.pdf

Lynch, K. (1960). The Image of the City. Cambridge: MIT Press.

Muhlhausen, J. (2000). Wayfinding is not signage: signage plays an important part of wayfinding, but there’s more. Signs of the Times. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.signweb.com/index.php/channel/6/id/1433/

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. (2001) Notice of Proposed Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years 2001–2003 for three Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects. Retrieved 20 March 2007 from http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/index.html

http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2001-3/070601b.html

NHS Estates. (n.d.) Improving the Patient Experience Wayfinding. London: Department of Health, UK Government. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://patientexperience.nhsestates.gov.uk/wayfinding/wf_content/home/home.asp

Passini, R. (1992). Wayfinding in Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Pollet D. & Haskell P. C. (1979). Sign Systems for Libraries: Solving the Wayfinding Problem. New York: R.R. Bowker Company.

PROWAAC. (2001). Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Committee (PROWAAC) for the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) Final Report: referred to as an ‘Universal Access Corridor’ at p.161 Appendix H Minority Report submitted by Hol’Lynn d’Lil: What to Call the ‘Accessible Route’. 17 November 2006 from http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/commrept/PROWreport.pdf

Queensland Health. (1996). Building Guidelines for Queensland Mental Health Facilities. Brisbane: Queensland Government. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/cwamb/mhguide/1934B_GuideSec_2.pdf

Royal Blind Society of NSW and ACT. (2003). Accessible design recommendations for people with vision impairment. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.rbs.org.au/about/factsheets/Accessible Design.doc

University of New South Wales. (n.d.) Buildings and Grounds, Signage and Directory Boards, Signage Guidelines Part 6.0. Sydney: University of New South Wales, Facilities Department. Retrieved 20 March 2007 from http://www.facilities.unsw.edu.au/Buildings/Signage_Standards.pdf and http://www.facilities.unsw.edu.au/Buildings/signage.htm

Vision Australia. (2006). Accessible Design for Public Buildings Signage. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.rvib.org.au/info.aspx?page=721#Signage

Technical references

Building Code of Australia 2007

Australian Standards

AS1288:2006 Glass in buildings — Selection and installation
AS1428.1:2001 Design for access and mobility, part 1: General requirements for access — New building work
AS1428.2:1992 Design for access and mobility, part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements — Buildings and facilities
AS/NZS 1428.4: 2002 Design for access and mobility, part 4: Tactile indicators
AS1670.4: 2004 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems — System design, installation and commissioning, part 4: Sound systems and intercom systems for emergency purposes.
AS/NZS1680.0:1998 Interior lighting, part 0: Safe movement.
AS1735.1: 2003 Lifts, escalators and moving walks, part 1: General requirements
AS1735.12:1999 Lifts, escalators and moving walks, part 12: Facilities for persons with disabilities
AS1744:1975 Standard alphabets for road signs — Metric units
AS2293.1:2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings, part 1: System design, installation and operation
AS2700:1996 Colour Standards for general purposes
AS/NZS2890.1:2004 Parking facilities, part 1: Off-street car parking
AS2890.5:1993 Parking facilities, part 5: On-street parking
AS2899.1:1986 Public information symbol signs, part 1: General information signs (withdrawn)
AS4428.4: 2004 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems — Control and indicating equipment Part 4: Intercommunication systems for emergency purposes.

British Standards

International Standards

ISO7001: 2007 Graphical symbols — Public information symbols

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Further reading

Barker, P., Barrick, J. & Wilson, R. (1995). Building Sight, London: RNIB.

Bentzen, B. L. (1997). Environmental Accessibility. In B. B. Blasch, W.R. Wiener & R.L. Welsh (Eds.), Foundations of Orientation and Mobility 2nd edn New York: AFB Press.

Bright, K., Cook, G. & Harris, J. (1997). A design guide for the use of COLOUR and CONTRAST to improve the built environment for visually impaired people. United Kingdom: Project Rainbow, University of Reading.

Bright, K., Cook, G. & Harris, J. (1997). Colour, Contrast & Perception, Design Guidance for Internal Built Environments. United Kingdon: Project Rainbow, University of Reading.

Jacobson R.D. & Kitchin, R.M. (1997). GIS and people with visual impairments or blindness: Exploring the potential for education, orientation and navigation, Pearson Professional Limited, pp. 315–332. Belfast: School of Geosciences, Queen’s University.

Jacobson R.D. (1998). Cognitive Mapping without Sight: Four Preliminary Studies of Spatial Learning, Journal of Environmental Psychology 18
pp. 289–305. Belfast: School of Geosciences, Queen’s University.

Jacobson R.D. (1999). Talking Tactile Maps and Environmental Audio Beacons: An Orientation and Mobility Development Tool for Visually Impaired People. Ceredigion: Institute of Earth Studies, University of Wales Aberystwyth. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://www.immerse.ucalgary.ca/publications/llub1.pdf

Levine, D. ed. (2003). The NYC Guidebook to Accessibility and Universal Design. New York: Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access, - (also referred to as Universal Design New York) University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from http://home.nyc.gov/html/ddc/pdf/udny/udny2.pdf

Lynch, K. (1960). The Image of the City. Cambridge: MIT Press.

Passini, R. (1992). Wayfinding in Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

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Appendix A

Principles of Universal Design

PRINCIPLE ONE: Equitable Use

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
Guidelines:

PRINCIPLE TWO: Flexibility in Use

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Guidelines:

PRINCIPLE THREE: Simple and Intuitive Use

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
Guidelines:

PRINCIPLE FOUR: Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
Guidelines:

PRINCIPLE FIVE: Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
Guidelines:

PRINCIPLE SIX: Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
Guidelines:

PRINCIPLE SEVEN: Size and Space for Approach and Use

Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
Guidelines:

7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.
7b. Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.
7c. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.
7d. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.

Please note that the Principles of Universal Design address only universally usable design, while the practice of design involves more than consideration for usability. Designers must also incorporate other considerations such as economic, engineering, cultural, gender, and environmental concerns in their design processes. These Principles offer designers guidance to better integrate features that meet the needs of as many users as possible.

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Appendix B

Suggested letter height

A reliable representation of this graph is not currently available in an accessible online form

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Appendix C

Wayfinding systems matrix

1.0 Neighbourhood scale: journeys of, say, 30–200 m for example, malls, arcades, ‘pocket’ parks and urban open space.
2.0 Building precinct scale: journeys of, say, 30 m for example, forecourts, podiums, plazas and piazzas.
3.0 Building entrance scale: journeys of, say, 5 m for example, immediate vicinity journeys or entering a building entrance.
4.0 Inside building scale: journeys of, say, 1–20 m for example, across lobbies, reception areas, lift lobbies, corridors and to information desks.
5.0 Floor-level scale: journeys of, say, 1–20 m for example, corridors, offices, fire exits, classrooms, meeting rooms, toilets and storage rooms.

2.0 Building precinct scale: Range of approximately 30 metres for example, building forecourts, podiums, plazas and piazzas.

Wayfinding system	Description	Application	Comments
2.1 Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) including directional indicators. See 3.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.1 above
2.2 Directional compass. See 4.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.2 above
2.3 Obstacle locator. See 4.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.3 above.
2.4 Enhanced or specialist cane. See 4.3 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.4 above.
2.5 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and note takers. See 4.5 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.5 above.
2.6 Global Positioning System (GPS) position locator. See 4.4 and 4.6 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.6 above. Most suitable in open-air locations without interference. Combined with other software, can be used for locating current position and other landmarks.	Providing information and locations of key landmarks such as major buildings, concert halls, churches, stadiums, transport interchanges, as well as parks and lakes.	Pedestrians must have a suitable GPS receiver unit, used in conjunction with specialist software plus electronic data depicting local streets and landmarks for that area.
2.7 Wayfinding system: Talking digital map systems. See 4.6 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.7 above.
2.8 Tactile map systems. See 4.7 of Stage 1 Report.	See 1.8 above.		Tactile maps of specific venues should be made available by the venue’s management.
2.9 Mobile phones and communicators. See 4.8 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.9 above.	Starting to provide location-specific information to users via the ‘next-generation’ or 3G mobile networks, but service is aimed at the majority of users rather than adapted for niche users such as people who are blind or vision impaired.	Users must be a customer of a mobile phone network to receive information.
2.10 Accessible pedestrian signals. See 5.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.10 above.
2.11 Press and listen signs or press-button audible signage. See 5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.11 above.	If signs are networked, then time-specific messages (or ‘live’) information such as timetable details can be replayed when the button is pushed.	System acts as a supplement to locational signage. However, everyone near the sign hears the brief information repeated about that location.
2.12 Printed signage (location signs) featuring words, or words and symbols. See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.12 above.		Allows pedestrians to confirm their location or indicates the general direction of other possible destinations. Not suitable for people who are blind or vision impaired because raised tactile and braille signage must be used to assist these pedestrians.
2.13 Raised tactile and braille signage. See 3.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.13 above.
2.14 Remote (infrared) audible signage — motion-activated. See 5.5.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.14 above.
2.15 Remote (infrared) audible signage — speaking signs. See 5.5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.15 above.
2.16 Remote radiofrequency audible signage. See 5.6 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.16 above.
2.17 Moving illuminated signage single and multi-line. See 3.4.4 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.17 above.
2.18 Enhanced location maps (raised tactile and braille). See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.18 above.
2.19 Trail across forecourt or plaza. See audit checklist	See 1.19 above.	Clearly marked and distinctive pathways or handrails can provide options for wayfinding across open areas.	Comments: A ‘trail’ should be designed to ‘lead’ a traveller across the open space from one key destination to another relatively close destination.
2.20 On-line digital information and maps. See 5.7 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.20 above.
2.21 Computer directory information system. See 3.4.5 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.21 above.	Can act as a directory board and supplement signage in the area.	Acts as an unattended information desk. However, it cannot be read by touching the board or screen so it is not suitable for people who are blind or who read tactually.
2.22 Talking lifts. See 3.4.6 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.22 above.
2.23 Wayfinding system: ‘Kiosk’ (or network) of touch-screen or audio-based computer systems. See 2.4 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.23 above.	Acts as a directory board for the vicinity, but can supply additional information about particular locations on enquiry.	Can be used in local government or commercial infrastructure that acts as an unattended information desk. Orientation issues must be considered in the design to ensure the user is located and aligned appropriately for the message being delivered.

3.0 Building entrance scale: Range of 5 m, for example, the immediate vicinity and building entrances

Wayfinding system	Description	Application	Comments
3.1 Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) including directional indicators. See 3.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.1 above.	Directional indicators can assist people who are blind or vision impaired to find their way unaided from the street to the building entrance where other shorelines do not exist.
3.2 Obstacle locator. See 4.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.3 above.
3.3 Enhanced or specialist cane. See 4.3 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.4 above.
3.4 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and note takers. See 4.5 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.5 above.
3.5 Tactile map systems. See 4.7 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.8 above.
3.6 Press and listen signs or press-button audible signage. See 5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.11 above.	When found and pressed, external audible sign announces address, building name and major tenant.	Other indicators or forms of signage are needed to alert people who are blind or vision impaired to the availability and specific location of the press and listen sign.
3.7 Printed signage (location signs) featuring words, or words and symbols. See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.12 above.	Application: Directory board providing listings of building tenants and the general direction of many significant amenities and services. Use of symbols rather than just words can assist illiterate and non-English-speaking pedestrians, for example left and right arrows rather than the words ‘left’ and ‘right’.	Must be well positioned and suitable for people who are vision impaired as well as people with other disabilities. Suitable fonts, colour and background contrast must be used. Not suitable for people who are blind or vision impaired. Raised tactile and braille signage must be used to assist these pedestrians.
3.8 Raised tactile and braille signage. See 3.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.13 above.	As noted in 1.13, but enhanced with tactile aids for people who are blind or vision impaired.
3.9 Handrail systems. See 3.4.1 of Stage 2–3 Report	Wooden or metal infrastructure provided to allow users to follow the handrail and find their way from one location to another relatively close location along paths, corridors or across open space.	Fixed to corridor and lobby walls to assist people who are blind, vision impaired or have limited mobility to find their way unaided from one location to another relatively close location.<	Separate indication of the actual direction of the building entrance or the street may be necessary to confirm the user is travelling in the right direction.
3.10 Remote (infrared) audible signage — motion-activated. See 5.5.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.14 above.	External audible sign announces address, building name or major tenants when triggered.	Additional to building locational signage but sign may be triggered by passing pedestrians.
3.11 Remote (infrared) audible signage — speaking signs. See 5.5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.15 above. Audio equivalent of location sign.	When any transmitter is ‘triggered’ by a signal received from a nearby user’s device, pre-recorded audio information such as the building name or a welcome message is then broadcast wirelessly by the transmitter to that user’s receiver.	Distinct information can be provided for different locations but is audible only via an individual receiver held, or worn, by the user. Users may need different types of devices to receive information within different building complexes.
3.12 Wayfinding system: Remote Radiofrequency Audible Signage. See 5.6 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.16 above.
3.13 Moving illuminated signage single and multi-line. See 3.4.4 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.17 above.	As noted in 1.17 but with more detail provided for location signs and directory boards.	Must be well positioned and suitable for people who are vision impaired as well as people with other disabilities. Suitable fonts, colour and background contrast must be used. Not suitable for people who are blind.
3.14 Enhanced location maps (raised tactile, braille) See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.18 above.	Map of raised outlines of entrance or lobby can be traced by touch by people who are blind or vision impaired to assist their orientation and plan their journey.	Limited additional information in raised lettering or braille may further assist the traveller to locate their intended destination.
3.15 Trail between forecourt and street and building entrance. See audit checklist	See 1.19 above.
3.16 On-line digital information and maps. See 5.7 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.20 above.	Detailed information such as building floor plans have to be obtained or produced in appropriate form before the journey.	This area is changing rapidly with new advances in mobile internet technology. See mobiles and communicators.
3.17 Computer directory information system. See 3.4.5 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.21 above.	System can provide both limited and detailed listings of building tenants and public facilities.	Suitable for unattended or ‘faceless’ receptions. Accessibility options for software can enhance the contrast, colours and size of fonts for on-screen information. May provide audible prompts. Not suitable for people who rely on tactual reading.
3.18 ‘Kiosk’ (or network) of touch-screen or audio-based computer systems. See 2.4 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.23	Allows pedestrians to obtain appropriate information and directions for specific buildings, such as listings of building tenants and public facilities.	Could be provided by owners of individual buildings or venues, or as local government infrastructure. Orientation issues must be considered in the design to ensure the user is located and aligned appropriately for the message being delivered.

4.0 Inside building scale: Journeys of 1-20m, for example, lobbies, reception, reception area, lift lobbies, corridors and information

Wayfinding system	Description	Application	Comments
4.1 Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) including directional indicators. See 3.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.1 above.
4.2 Wayfinding system: Obstacle locator. See 4.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.3 above.
4.3 Enhanced or specialist cane. See 4.3 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.4 above.
4.4 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and note takers. See 4.5 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.5 above.
4.5 Tactile map systems. See 4.7 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.8 above.	Braille, tactile or raised maps describing access to certain facilities at particular venues. These maps could be made available to those who can interpret them to assist in planning and subsequently undertaking travel.	Any key facilities likely to be accessed by a user would need to be known in advance and maps then produced, unless they are made available at venues.
4.6 Mobile phones and communicators. See 4.8 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.9 above.	Combining information about layouts with a sensor network throughout the building. Trial systems, based on adapted phones or communicators, have been used overseas to assist wayfinding within buildings.	Once the technology is further developed, proven and cost-effectively accessible, it may become a more widespread option. A development with real potential, but not yet ready for widespread use.
4.7 Press and listen signs or press-button audible signage. See 5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.11 above.	Provided in a lift lobby or building entrance. When pressed, the audible sign announces information about the nearby area such as location of key facilities on the floor.	Other indicators are needed to make sure people who are vision impaired know the specific location of the press and listen sign.
4.8 Printed signage (location signs, directory boards, etc.) See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.12 above.	Directory board providing listings of the services and tenants on each floor level, plus the general direction of many key amenities and services.	Should be well positioned and designed for people who are vision impaired, but are not suitable for people who are blind. Raised tactile and braille signage must be used to assist these visitors.
4.9 Raised tactile and braille signage. See 3.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.13 above.
4 .10 Line-following guides. See 5.3 of Stage 1 Report	Robotic-type devices are being developed that will follow fixed paths within a building.	Within suitably fitted-out buildings, in the future, these devices may assist in guiding people who are blind or vision impaired.	These and other general types of robotic ‘guides’ are still under development.
4.11 Directional sound evacuation. See 5.4 of Stage 1 Report	Building infrastructure installed to alert occupants in an emergency and help guide them, using sound, towards an exit during an evacuation.	In an emergency, distinctive sound patterns with a directional emphasis are emitted along corridors to assist in guiding sighted and people who are blind or vision impaired towards an exit.	Most appropriate for assisting egress from a building in an emergency, but not for general wayfinding around and within a building complex under normal conditions. Not suitable for people who are hearing impaired.
4.12 Handrail system. See 3.4.1 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 3.9 above.	Fixed to corridor and lobby walls to assist people who are blind, vision impaired or mobility impaired find their way unaided from one location to another relatively close location.	Supplementary tactile, audible or braille signage may be necessary to help confirm that the user is travelling in the right direction.
4.13 Remote (infrared) audible signage — motion-activated. See 5.5.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.14 above.	When triggered by nearby movement, the audible signs plays pre-recorded messages, listing tenants and the location of key facilities.	Supplement to building location and directory board signage designed to assist people who are vision impaired, but not people who are hearing impaired.
4.14 Remote (infrared) audible signage speaking signs. See 5.5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.15 above.	Pre-recorded audio information such as the location of lifts, toilets and staffed reception desks is broadcast wirelessly by transmitter to a user’s receiving device. Different message may be received from different directions allowing the user to discreetly choose the direction they want to travel in.	Distinct information can be provided for different locations but it is audible only via an individual worn, or hand-held, receiver. Currently, users may need alternative types of devices to receive information within different building complexes.
4.15 Remote radio - frequency audible signage. See 5.6 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.16 above.	Generally used in outdoor settings.
4.16 Moving illuminated signage single and multi-line. See 3.4.4 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.17 above.	Providing broad listings of the services and tenants on each floor level, plus the general direction of key amenities.	Not suitable for people who are blind.
4.17 Enhanced location maps (raised tactile and braille). See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.18 above.	Map using raised outlines to highlight lift locations and other key facilities and the paths between them. Map and text can be traced by touch by people who are vision-impaired to assist their orientation and plan their journey.	Accompanying text in raised lettering or braille may further assist the user to locate their destination and help plan their path.
4.18 Trail between building entrance and main tenant directory board. See audit checklist	See 1.19 above.	Pathways leading to, and from, key facilities such as reception, lift lobbies and toilets can be highlighted through contrasting textures and colours on wall and floor coverings.	Designed to help people who are vision impaired locate key facilities unaided — through architectural features and interior finishes.
4.19 On-line digital information and maps. See 5.7 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.20 above.	Detailed information such as building floor plans have to be obtained or produced before the journey.	The availability of tactile maps at individual venues may eliminate the need to download directional and wayfinding information before attending a venue.
4.20 Computer directory information system. See 3.4.5 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.21 above.	System should provide individual listings of building tenants, public facilities and their locations within the building.	Suitable for unattended or ‘faceless’ receptions e.g. ‘Take lift to Level 3 then turn left and proceed 20 metres directly along corridor. Offices are on your right’.
4.21 Talking lifts. See 3.4.6 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.22 above.		Useful to reinforce warning messages that travellers should not use lifts in the event of fire or in other situations as set out in the building’s emergency evacuation procedures.
4.22 ‘Kiosk’ (or network) of touch-screen or audio-based computer systems. See 2.4 of Stage2–3 Report	See 1.23 above.	Allows pedestrians to obtain appropriate information and directions for specific buildings, such as listings of building tenants and public facilities.	Could be provided by owners of individual buildings or venues, or provided as local government infrastructure. Users’ spatial orientation must be considered to ensure they are located and aligned appropriately for the message being relayed.

5.0 Floor level scale: Journeys of 1-20m, for example, corridors, offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, toilets, fire exits and storage rooms

Wayfinding system	Description	Application	Comments
5.1 Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs), including directional indicators. See 3.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.1 above.
5.2 Wayfinding system: Obstacle locator. See 4.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.3 above.
5.3 Enhanced or specialist cane. See 4.3 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.4 above.
5.4 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and note takers. See 4.5 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.5 above.
5.5 Tactile map systems. See 4.7 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.8 above.	Braille or tactile and raised maps outlining key facilities at an individual floor level may assist people who are vision impaired, but other options seem more appropriate at this scale.
5.6 Wayfinding system: Mobile phones and communicators. See 4.8 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.9 above.	Other options appear more appropriate at this scale.
5.7 Press and listen signs/press-button audible signage. See 5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.11 above.	Provided in a lift lobby or building entrance. When pressed, the audible sign announces information about the nearby area such as location of key facilities on the floor.	Other indicators are needed to make sure people who are vision impaired know the specific location of the press and listen sign.
5.8 Printed signage (location signs, directory boards, etc.) featuring words or words and symbols. See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.12 above.	Directory board providing listings of the services and tenants on each floor level, plus the general direction of many key amenities and services.	Should be well positioned and designed for pedestrians with low vision, but not suitable for people who are blind or vision impaired. Raised tactile and braille signage must be used to assist these travellers.
5.9 Raised tactile and braille signage. See 3.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.13 above.
5.10 Line-following guides. See 5.3 of Stage 1 Report	See 4.10 above.		Still in development.
5.11 Directional sound evacuation. See 5.4 of Stage 1 Report	See 4.11.
5.12 Wayfinding system: Handrail systems. See 3.4.1 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 3.9 above.
5.13 Remote (infrared) audible signage — motion-activated. See 5.5.1 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.14 above.	Plays pre-recorded messages through speakers, listing services and the location of key facilities located on the floor.	Triggered by nearby movement, these signs are designed to assist people who are vision impaired, but not people who are hearing impaired.
5.14 Remote (infrared) audible signage — speaking signs. See 5.5.2 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.15 above.	Normally located at travel decision points (e.g. lobby or corridor intersections), these signs wirelessly transmit pre-recorded audio, for example, the location of lifts, direction of toilets and staffed reception desks.	Messages are audible only via an individual receiver worn or held by the user. Messages can be transmitted and received from different locations allowing the user to decide their direction of travel.
5.15 Remote radiofrequency audible signage. See 5.6 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.16 above.	Generally used in outdoor settings.
5.16 Moving illuminated signage — single and multi-line. See 3.4.4 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.17 above.	Providing broad listings of the services and tenants on each floor level, plus the general direction of key amenities.	Not suitable to assist people who are blind.
5.17 Enhanced location maps (raised tactile and braille signage). See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.18 above.	Map using raised outlines to highlight pathways between key facilities. Map and text can be traced by touch by people who are vision impaired.	Comments: Adding text in raised lettering or braille on the map may further assist users to locate their destination and plan their path.
5.18 Trails between key locations such as reception, lift lobby, meeting rooms or tenant offices. See audit checklist	See 1.19 above.	Pathways leading to and from crucial facilities such as reception, lift lobbies and toilets can be highlighted through employing Principles of Universal Design.	Designed to help vision-impaired pedestrians to locate key amenities unaided.
5.19 On-line digital information and maps. See 5.7 of Stage 1 Report	See 1.20 above.	Detailed information such as building floor plans have to be obtained or produced in appropriate form before the journey is undertaken.	The availability of tactile maps at individual venues may eliminate the need to download directional and wayfinding information before attending a venue.
5.20 Computer directory information system. See 3.4.5 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.21 above.	System should provide individual listings of tenants and public facilities located on the floor.	Suitable for reception areas not always attended by staff. Not appropriate for people who rely on reading by tactual means.
5.21 Talking lifts. See 3.4.6 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.22 above.
5.22 ‘Kiosk’ (or network) of touch-screen or audio-based computer systems. See 2.4 of Stage 2–3 Report	See 1.23 above.	Systems should allow pedestrians to obtain appropriate information and directions for specific floor levels, such as listings of tenants as well as public facilities and conveniences located on the floor.	May be provided by owners of individual buildings or venues. Users’ spatial orientation must be considered to ensure they are located and aligned appropriately for the message being relayed.

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CRC for Construction Innovation participants
Arup, Australian Building Codes Board, Bovis Lend Lease, Brisbane City Council, Brookwater, Building Commission, CSIRO, Curtin University of Technology, DEM, John Holland Group, Queensland Department of Main Roads, Queensland Department of Public Works, Queensland Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT University, Thiess, The University of Newcastle, The University of Sydney, WA Department of Housing and Works, Woods Bagot.