© Icon.Net Pty Ltd 2007
Cooperative Research Centre for Construction
Innovation
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Brisbane, Qld, Australia 4000
Telephone: +61 7 3138 9291
Email: enquiries@construction-innovation.info
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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.
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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
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.
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.
Disability Services Queensland
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.
Buildings or spaces with features to permit use by people with disabilities. Building Code of Australia (2007).
A continuous accessible path of travel to, or within, a building suitable for people with disabilities.
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’).
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).
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 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
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).
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.
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).
The upward direction on a map which must always show what is in front of the viewer. Levine (2003).
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).
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 is a mobility aid developed by the Royal National College for the Blind, UK.
The luminous flux falling onto a unit area of surface. Building Code of Australia (2007).
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).
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 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 is an audio tactile tool (interface) for using and managing spatially distributed information by people who are blind or vision impaired.
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.
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).
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 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.
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:
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.
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 is any significant loss of sight. Adapted from AS1428.4:2002 part 4: Tactile indicators.
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.Any visual wayfinding system is more than just signs — it encompasses architecture, landscape architecture, lighting, and landmarks and orientation points. The design of spaces should assist users with spatial problem-solving by providing consistent clues.
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:
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:
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
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.
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.
(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.
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:
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
At a perceptual level, the
sensory impairment of people who are blind or vision impaired limits information
gathering from both primary and secondary sources. Although there are
sophisticated sight-compensating technologies, most technical aids only add
environmental cues to the information already gathered through auditory,
tactile, olfactory and kinaesthetic means. The extent to which a person who is
blind or vision impaired has an understanding of place with spatial reference is
unclear. The environment they are able to perceive in their mind has relatively
few unique locational cues — tactile cues like kerb and building lines are often
repeated and auditory or olfactory cues may be temporal and ephemeral. There is
a need to develop effective methods of communicating spatial information by
non-visual means to improve quality of life through increased mobility and
independence (Jacobson and Kitchin, 1997).
The literature reveals a
number of issues for people who are blind or vision impaired that can be easily
addressed through wayfinding systems.
4.2 Issue: informative material
Consider producing information such
as locational maps, bus and train timetables and schedules in braille or large
print.
Ensure signs on entries to buildings, complexes and public
transport vehicles are large.
Where possible, provide an information desk
with informed staff to assist people locate a destination. The literature
reveals that touch-tone access to pre-recorded messages, voice-mail or
computerised query systems are universally disliked (Jacobson and Kitchin,
1997).
4.3 Issue: arrival point or address of the facility or building
All
buildings and facilities have a number of entries or arrival points. However,
the address of a building or facility provides its identity or arrival point for
occupants and visitors.
Clearly identify the address of the building or
facility with its name, street address and an appropriate marker or
landmark.
Design the arrival point as the main entry, not as a secondary
entry.
4.4 Issue: unidentified main entry or arrival point
For many
buildings and facilities, the arrival point is not easily distinguishable
because of competing infrastructure such as bus stops, taxi ranks, adjacent
businesses or ‘A’ frame signage; however, what may be seen as clutter is also
business infrastructure.
Ensure that entry points to all buildings and
facilities have direct access with clearly marked boundaries for pedestrians,
are free of clutter and are separated and protected from roads and bicycle or
skating paths.
Directory systems should provide visitors and occupants
with sufficient information to ensure a successful arrival point and ease of
access to further destination points.
Provide a directory system using
the ‘forward-up equivalence principle4’ that incorporates sensory elements for
people of all abilities. A directory system should include tactile elements such
as braille, surface finishes and raised character signage; graphic elements such
as pictograms; and audible elements, which may include integrating both
audio-tactile maps, visual and other forms of communication triggered by
infrared light or movement sensors.
Where suitable, an audible directory
system should consist of short, simple and straight-forward messages, unique to
the building or site. Repeated messages should only provide key reference points
such as ‘You are entering the foyer of the building’; ‘Information desk forward
three metres’; or ‘Lifts three metres forward, then turn right’.
Ensure
that all access points to all buildings and facilities entrances have direct
access with clearly marked boundaries for pedestrians, free of clutter and are
separated and protected from vehicular roadways and bicycle/skating
pathways.
A route within the public domain should be declared and
referred to as a ‘universal accessway’ (PROWAAC, 2001) to distinguish its
importance as a public right of way.
The universal accessway should be
clearly marked using surface-level markers at a nominal distance determined by
site context and design, with at least two surface-level markers at either end
of the accessway labeling it as a ‘universal accessway’ with directional arrows
indicating the direction of the ‘universal accessway’ from the
marker.
Surface-level markers are not tactile ground surface indicators
(TGSI). Discreet surface-level markers include, for example, 75 mm diameter
brass inscribed plates or ceramic plates laid on the pavement surface. The
universal accessway should also be labelled with directional arrows.
As a
guide, an external universal accessway 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. It is essential that an all-weather cover is
placed at the building entrance.
The width of pedestrian pathways, roads
and bicycle or skating paths is governed by the expected volume and direction of
traffic flows and codified building standards. Wherever possible, provide
separate pedestrian access paths to ensure safety from all other path
users.
All paths should be accessible unless users can be directed to
alternative paths. Clearly indicate any potential hazards and the destination
point with TGSIs or audible warning or directory systems with details about
distance to travel for example, ‘Building entry 40 metres in direction of
travel’.
Clearly marked boundaries can be defined by unobstructed edges
of pathways with continuous upright kerbs, low walls, building
faces,
continuous handrails, raised planters, hedges, a continuous planting
strip, luminance contrasting colours or textures and materials.
Wherever
possible, maintain an uninterrupted shoreline5 to at least one boundary edge,
for example a building face, raised planters or a glass barrier.
These
measures assist people who are blind or vision impaired and can be detected by a
person using a long cane.
Consider incorporating sensory design elements
such as perfumed plants, moving water or electronically triggered audible
locational messages.
Obstructions and hazards that may intrude into the
path of travel include drainage grates, signs, overhanging trees, access holes,
light fixtures, smokers’ wall ashtrays and benches. These obstructions should
not be within the universal accessway.
Ensure that all potentially
hazardous obstacles are marked. Hazardous obstacles include grade changes at
stairs, escalators, travelators, ramps and transition areas. Mark these
areas with luminance contrasting colours, textures, tactile devices or
other materials to alert users to the potential hazards.
Internally, the
use of contrasting skirting boards, border edging to carpet, and contrasting
wall–floor interfaces are examples of defining marked boundaries (edges) for the
path of travel.
Using contrasting edges (luminance and texture) of
pathways, corridors and rooms will assist people who are blind or vision
impaired maintain a straight direction of travel. Handrails along pathways act
as a physical guide for people to travel confidently to their
destination.
People who are blind or vision impaired use multiple senses
to navigate spaces.
Therefore, reducing excessive noise by locating service
and maintenance functions away from public areas can assist
navigation.
Public safety and emergency assistance is also important.
Ensure emergency communications equipment is positioned at strategic locations.
These devices can act as significant landmarks and enable emergency staff to
quickly locate people. Use video camera surveillance as a deterrent in high-risk
areas.
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
The entry to any building should
provide a safe, equitable and dignified access for all users. Automatic opening
doors at a building entry are welcoming and directional elements, especially for
people who are blind or vision impaired.
Buildings should be welcoming to
all visitors. The layout of foyers and reception and information desks plays an
essential part in informing and directing enquiries. Reception and information
desks should be oriented so that arriving visitors can be seen and are within
close proximity to ‘You are here’ building maps and internal directories so
attendants can assist visitors with directions.
Information desks should
be attended by people with knowledge of the building’s occupants and facilities.
Regardless of whether there is an attendant at the information desk, a self-help
telephone should be available for periods when the desk is
unattended.
Interior colour schemes, consistent lighting, contrasting
wall–floor covering and architectural finishes are important design elements
that can define a space and offer directional guidance for people who are blind
or vision impaired to find their way around the building.
4.6 Issue: graphic communication
Signs, maps, colour coding,
banners, websites, directional information, identification and regulatory
information are all examples of graphic communication.
Signs that assist
wayfinding include directory boards and reference maps, identification,
directional, information, safety and regulatory signs.
The
consistent physical placement, installation and illumination of signs must be
suitable for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Many signs are not legible when viewed from a distance. The following
recommendations can assist in the optimal readability of signs.
4.7 Issue: restrooms and toilet facilities
Wherever possible,
maintain an unobstructed path of travel to restrooms and toilet facilities.
Clearly identify public facilities by using accessible signage including
pictograms, raised tactile signage and braille signage on the wall adjacent to
doorway.
Locate directional signage and pictograms for restrooms and
toilet facilities at all key travel decision points, in the most visible
location and perpendicular to the path of travel.
4.8 Issue: lifts
Locate reception and information desks near lifts
so that attendants can assist visitors with directions.
Fit lifts with
backlit, large tactile buttons with raised tactile signage letters and numbers
and braille signage. Audible outputs should indicate floor levels.
4.9 Issue: signage
Place signs in transitional areas to reassure
people they are on the correct route. The maximum distance between information
or directional signs in long corridors should be no greater than 30
metres.
Maps can be used to supplement directional information at key
decision points to reduce the amount of directional signage needed.
4.10 Issue: viewing distance to signage
Viewing distance is a
concept printing and signage industries use to capture attention for an image on
display. Viewing distance is also closely related with the resolution and size
of an image.
The concept of viewing distance requires an understanding of
perspective theory as the resolution of the image, and its detail, is always
taken from where the viewer is positioned and whether the viewer is standing,
walking, sitting or viewing from a moving vehicle. The clarity of atmospherics
such as light and shade and weather conditions also plays a part in viewing
distance. Construction materials and the position of signs are also
important.
The simple rule of viewing distance is that the closer a
person is to an object, the higher the resolution of the image needs to be. The
perception of the human eye varies from person to person, and some people are
vision impaired, so the only true viewing distance comparison is the distance at
which most people can see the image or sign.
Lettering height depends on
the importance of the sign, the architectural detail at the building entrance,
the size of sign for its location and placement, as well as the distance from
which it should be read.
The literature varies on recommended minimum
letter heights and viewing distances. However, it is suggested that for sighted
people, 50 mm minimum height is an acceptable standard for visual legibility at
a maximum of 15 metres.
Other suggested minimum letter heights for various
sign types include:
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.
Chapter 5: Signage hierarchical structure
Each sign has a hierarchal
structure that communicates meaningful content for individual readers. The
hierarchical structure is:
The signage hierarchy is depicted in Table 3.
| Design elements | Meaning and content |
|---|---|
| Background colour, marketing image or overall presentation, text colours, luminance contrast, colour contrast. | Corporate or organisation's image, corporate colour scheme and style, sign system hierarchy, colour consistency as established by design protocol. |
| Maps, logos, pictograms, symbols and artwork. | Corporate or organisation's image, international symbols or pictograms, facility or building layout. |
| Text and directional arrows, tactile information, braille, signage information in multiple languages. | Tactile signage incorporates raised text and symbols
to enable touch-reading by people who are blind and allow touch
enhancement of visual perception for people who are vision impaired.
Braille signage is a specialist wayfinding device that incorporates Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) Grade 1 braille as a primary source of information for people who are blind or vision impaired and may be supplemented by raised tactile lettering, maps or pictorial images. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
A reliable representation of this graph is not currently available in an accessible online form
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.
| Wayfinding system | Description | Application | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Tactile ground surface indicators (including directional indicators) See 3.1 of Stage 1 Report | A system of raised domes and stripes placed in patterns on the ground to provide tactile information. The colour and luminance contrast of the TGSIs provide information to people who are blind or vision impaired about direction and potential hazards. | TGSIs provide information about changes in the direction of the path of travel and indicate potential hazards such as platform edges, stairs and overhead obstacles. TGSIs assist negotiating difficult environments such as open or busy spaces and finding specific locations such as building entrances and exits. | Two types of TGSI tiles - warning and directional - are used under AS1428.4. Local governments or venue and building owners, as required by the Building Code of Australia provide TGSIs. |
| 1.2 Directional compass. See 4.1 of Stage 1 Report | Hand-held aid designed to assist orientation and navigation by people who are blind or vision impaired. | Application: Usually used in conjunction with a traditional long cane or guide dog to navigate about the built environment at a broader scale. | Assists with navigation at a broad urban physical scale. |
| 1.3 Obstacle locator. See 4.2 of Stage 1 Report | Hand-held navigation aid to help vision-impaired people detect potential obstacles. | Assists navigation around the built environment by providing feedback on potential obstacles such as trees, rubbish bins, chairs, tables, pot-plants and A-frame signage. | Assists with independent wayfinding, movement and navigation. |
| 1.4 Enhanced or specialist cane. See 4.3 of Stage 1 Report | Relatively new navigation aid or cane to assist people who are blind or vision impaired avoid obstacles.< | Used as an alternative to a traditional long cane, to navigate about the built environment, providing aural and tactile feedback about the position of nearby obstacles. | Assists with independent wayfinding, movement and navigation.< |
| 1.5 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and note takers. See 4.5 of Stage 1 Report | Generally small hand-held computers or portable electronic note takers to store and process spatial and other information that may assist in wayfinding. | Can easily capture and playback detailed audio and video information about locations or paths between facilities that a person who is blind or vision impaired may wish to record for future reference. | Assists with recall and independent wayfinding, movement and navigation. |
| 1.6 Global Positioning System (GPS) position locator. See 4.4 and 4.6 of Stage 1 Report | Based on data from publicly available earth satellite systems, an electronic receiver that calculates positions or locations to within several metres. Most suitable in open-air locations without interference. | Wayfinding systems incorporating GPS information can provide pedestrians with audio or visual information about surrounding locations at a broad scale. Combined with other software, they can be used for locating current position and landmarks such as major buildings, concert halls, churches, stadiums, transport interchanges, parks or lakes. | Pedestrians must have a suitable GPS receiver unit used in conjunction with specialist software plus electronic data depicting local streets and landmarks provided by a commercial data supplier. |
| 1.7 Talking digital map systems. See 4.6 of Stage 1 Report | A blend of a PDA and GPS information to provide audible information at the broader urban scale to a person who is vision impaired. | Similar to PDAs and note takers, but can use a digital map-base of GPS coordinates to find street names, intersections, addresses and major landmarks or features and uses speech applications to relay information to the user. | Talking digital map systems require a GPS receiver unit used in conjunction with specialist software plus electronic data covering local streets and landmarks for a particular area. |
| 1.8 Tactile map systems. See 4.7 of Stage 1 Report | Printed maps can be produced in tactile or embossed form on specialised paper to assist with wayfinding. Tactile maps can be provided directly appropriate authorities or accessed via the internet. | Braille or tactile raised maps outlining access routes to certain facilities can assist in planning and undertaking journeys. | Any key facilities likely to be accessed by a user would need to be known in advance with maps then produced before the trip, unless they are made available at a venue. |
| 1.9 Mobile phones and communicators. See 4.8 of Stage 1 Report | Sophisticated, yet widely available portable devices that receive and transmit signals via commercial mobile telecommunication networks. | Because SIM cards are tracked and automatically ‘located’ by the network, these devices are increasingly being used to provide location-specific information to users via the 3G or ‘next-generation’ mobile networks. | Increasingly, these devices, with long-life battery power, can provide users with a range of information about facilities in an area; however, the user must be a customer of a mobile phone network to receive general data and information. |
| 1.10 Accessible pedestrian signals. See 5.1 of Stage 1 Report | Infrastructure provided primarily at pedestrian crossings and street intersections to assist users determine when it is safe to cross the street. | Generally linked to traffic signals, they are designed to provide recognisable audio signals to pedestrians in guiding them across intersections. | Fixed local and state government infrastructure for pedestrian crossings and street intersections. |
| 1.11 Press and listen signs or press-button audible signage. See 5.2 of Stage 1 Report | Fixed infrastructure installed at selected locations to provide spoken information about that location when the button is pressed. | Able to provide specific audio information about a location (e.g. tourist site) and widely used to provide public transport departure information to travellers. | People who are blind or vision impaired may not realise the ‘sign’ is available unless other means are used to draw their attention to the availability and location of the ‘press and listen’ sign. |
| 1.12 Printed signage (location signs) featuring words, or words and symbols. See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report | Conventional fixed signage of a concise nature featuring words, or words and symbols, to help sighted and literate pedestrians confirm their location or indicate the general direction of other destinations. | Usually constitutes a traditional printed location board accompanied by arrows indicating the general direction of specific destinations for example, toilets, lifts, taxis and bus stops, automatic teller machines, major facilities and particular shops. | Not suitable for people who are blind (see ‘raised tactile and braille signage’). However, if designed correctly using suitable fonts, colours and background contrasts and well-positioned, this system may be suitable for people who are vision impaired, as well as people with other disabilities. Using symbols rather than just words can assist both illiterate and non-English-speaking pedestrians. For example, replace ‘EXIT’ with the running man symbol on building exit signs. |
| 1.13 Raised tactile and braille signage. See 3.2 of Stage 1 Report | Specialised tactile signage that incorporates raised lettering or graphics or braille beneath each line of the printed signage. | Applications for this system are the same as conventional printed signage with the added benefit of assisting people who are blind or vision impaired to identify their current location and indicate the direction of other possible destinations. | Must be used for people who are blind, but must be correctly positioned and have optimum accessibility, that is be easily approached and within comfortable reach, for people who are vision impaired or mobility impaired. |
| 1.14 Remote (infrared) audible signage — motion-activated. See 5.5.1 of Stage 1 Report | Information about a location can be obtained at a distance rather than by touching the sign. Has some similarity to a press-button system, except the recorded information playback is triggered by any person passing the sign, rather than by a particular pedestrian finding and pressing the button. | Useful at key travel decision points or to provide additional information about the immediate surrounding area. Time-sensitive messages can also be replayed by a centralised system. | Supplement to building locational signage; however, everyone nearby may hear the (repeated) brief information as all passing pedestrians will trigger the message.Orientation issues must be considered in the design to ensure the user is located and aligned appropriately for the message being delivered. |
| 1.15 Remote (infrared) audible signage — speaking signs. See 5.5.2 of Stage 1 Report | Information is provided remotely rather than by pressing a sign. Single or multiple transmitters are installed as building infrastructure (usually above head-height) at key travel decision points, while individual portable receivers (purchased or on loan from the venue) must be either worn or carried about the venue by users. | Messages are triggered by the user’s handheld, or worn, device and relayed to them via a receiver or speakers. Information can be provided from different directions as the trigger device is slowly moved around. Messages can be tailored to the specific location and considered as the audio equivalent of a printed directional sign. | Can indicate and confirm which direction a visitor should travel in to find various facilities. Useful in train and bus stations, airport halls, malls and similar large building complexes. This system may be used at, for example, outdoor bus terminals when transport vehicles have transmitters fitted, but it is not usually used in a completely open space where the location of key facilities are less well defined. |
| 1.16 Remote radiofrequency audible signage. See 5.6 of Stage 1 Report | Outdoors system designed to provide varying audible information to travellers. Messages are customised to the individual location and have similar brief content to a printed directional sign. | The user’s handheld, or worn, device triggers the sign and information is then wirelessly relayed via a receiver and earpiece or speakers. Information can be provided in different languages. | Useful in outdoor settings to confirm the direction of travel for various key facilities. Lack of a common trigger device with interoperability between alternative systems is likely to impede progress towards widespread adoption. |
| 1.17 Moving illuminated signage — single and multi-line. See 3.4.4 of Stage 2–3 Report | Moving (rolling) LED signage consisting of one or several lines of text to provide more information about the location or provide directions to a nearby building or destination. | Similar function as a printed location board, but with flexibility to provide information beyond static location signage for people who are vision impaired. | Must be well positioned for people who are vision impaired, as well as people with other disabilities, and suitable fonts, colour and background contrast must be used. Not suitable for people who are blind or who read tactually. |
| 1.18 Wayfinding system: Enhanced location maps (raised tactile and braille). See 2.3.2 of Stage 2–3 Report | Simplified and scaled location map incorporating raised building outlines, raised lettering or braille beneath, or within, each area to designate the name or purpose of that area on the map. | The small-scale outlines of buildings or corridors can be traced by touch by people who are blind or vision impaired to help identify their current location within the context of the surrounding area, while other travellers may also use the map in the usual way. | Must be well-positioned and accessible and within reach for people who are blind or vision impaired or people who are mobility impaired. However, some travellers can have difficulty interpreting maps and may prefer aural or printed directions. Enhanced maps, similar to signage that uses symbols, can be valuable for illiterate or non-English speaking travellers. |
| 1.19 Trail between one location and another. See audit checklist | Series of easily recognisable pathways characterised by directional tiles, handrails, stepping-stones or a distinctive trail for example, using particular plants or water features. | People who are blind or vision impaired often use a series of discernible vertical surfaces to ‘shoreline’ along by using a long cane, but clearly marked and distinctive pathways or handrails can provide other options for wayfinding across open areas. | A ‘trail’ should be designed to lead a traveller from one key destination to another relatively close destination. |
| 1.20 On-line digital information and maps. See 5.7 of Stage 1 Report | Computer-based systems designed to provide detailed spatial and location information to users. | Detailed information generated from user queries on a spatial database. This system needs to be used before the journey. | This area is changing rapidly with new advances in mobile internet technology. See ‘mobiles and communicators’. |
| 1.21 Computer directory information system. See 3.4.5 of Stage 2–3 Report | Usually located indoors, this type of infrastructure can provide visitors with simple screen-based or audio directions to assist them find key facilities nearby. In the absence of a staffed reception area or desk, it provides ‘do-it-yourself’ assistance to any visitors. | With large fonts or audio outputs via speakers, this system should provide both limited or detailed listings of public facilities such as meeting areas or toilets and provide instructions on how to locate them. This system is more useful within an individual building complex. | Unless networked, each workstation must be individually updated with information specific to that location, and if making use of a keyboard or mouse, the system should be robust and sturdy, but simple to use. Since tactile output is not available from these systems, aural directions would assist people who are vision impaired, but not people who are hearing impaired. |
| 1.22 Talking lifts. See 3.4.6 of Stage 2–3 Report | A speaker system that provides pre-recorded messages to lift occupants and is triggered automatically when the lift arrives at a floor. | Audio in lift cars announces the floor level to travellers as the lift arrives and doors automatically open at any floor level. May be required in multi-storey situations but not appropriate for outdoor open spaces. | Audio system is also useful to broadcast or reinforce warning messages that travellers should not use the lifts in the event of fire or other situations as set out in the building’s emergency evacuation procedures. |
| 1.23 ‘Kiosk’ (or network) of touch-screen or audio-based computer systems. See 2.4 of Stage 2–3 Report | Typically housed in a small kiosk, this computer-based system, with large TV-type screen, can provide information and directions for specific locations in the vicinity. The system may incorporate large screen fonts that assist people who are vision impaired or can produce audio through kiosk speakers or wirelessly to an individual receiving device. | An enhancement of the computer directory systems, it allows pedestrians to ask for and receive directions to specific locations for a particular destination or service. Should provide appropriate information and directions for specific locations in the vicinity such as bus or train stops, public toilets, theatres, restaurants and even timetable and ticket information. | Useful in local government infrastructure, for example as commissioned by Melbourne City Council for iHubs, or could be provided by owners of commercial venues. Orientation issues must be considered in the design to ensure the user is located and aligned appropriately for the message being delivered. Any screens should be at an appropriate height for use by people who are vision impaired or people who are mobility impaired. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.