Tactile paving was created to help blind and visually impaired people get around streets safely
You’d think something created with disabled people in mind would be as accessible as it could get. But implemented in the wrong way, it can create just as many issues as any other design feature
So, here’s three ways that we could make
Colour
Tactile paving is not an opportunity for planners and developers to get creative with colour
For example, using grey tactile paving to match the street scape which can blend in for some blind and visually impaired people
Ensure there’s a significant contrast between the tactile paving and its surroundings – with red and yellow tactile paving the go-to
Material
Similarly, planners and developers shouldn’t get creative with material for tactile paving
Like use of these metal studs which burn guide dogs paws in the heat and become slippery when wet
Stick to concrete to avoid these issues
Co-development
Tactile paving can be laid in the wrong place, overused or it’s use in particular areas be confusing and detrimental to access for blind and visually impaired people
This could all solved by liaising with blind and visually impaired people early in the design process to ensure the tactile paving works practice
Bonus point: In it’s current design, tactile paving can be very uncomfortable for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues to go over.
We need to find a way to reduce this issue while still enabling tactile paving to do what it’s supposed to do for blind and visually impaired people
Could wider spacing of tactile paving, reduced depth and a more significant differtiation in texture be a better design?
Let’s me me know how tactile paving could be made better for you.
Witten by Ben Andrews on