Guiding through Tactile Warning and Wayfinding Systems

The next time you ride a bus, train, or are just walking down street, close your eyes for a moment and try to walk the last 100 yards with no visual assistance. That exemplifies what everyday is like for over 120 million people worldwide who have uncorrectable visual impairments. What can we do to help people minimize this daily challenge of finding their way?

Tactile warnings are a wayfinding tool for the visually impaired. When exiting to a transit platform or walking on a sidewalk the visually impaired now have a trustworthy cane guidance system allowing them to travel in a safe and timely manner. The surface applied directional tiles enable someone to accurately navigate through public rights of way. By installing the tiles in a continuous line it will allow for the individual to detect with a cane their current and upcoming destinations.

Detectability and durability are two significant factors in the long term success of the tactile warning wayfinding systems. The detectability should exhibit two key elements, color contrast and sound. The ADA calls for a 70% color variance between the warning system and adjacent surface. In addition the ADA requires a sound differential from the tactile warning to the adjacent surface. Both requirements are met with the Armor-Tile (www.armor-tile.com) guidance and directional systems.

The durability is the second factor that must not be ignored as these warning systems will be walked and driven on. If the product cannot withstand these forces for a prolonged period of time then the guidance system integrity and ADA compliance become compromised. To eliminate any hazards this product when installed properly will not have more than a ¼” surface extrusion. The tactile warning wayfinding tiles should have a vitrified polymer composite enabling end users to extend the life cycle of the product. In doing this it allows for the non-visually impaired to have minimal foot traffic impact. At the same point visually impaired people have dramatically improved their everyday walking and life time experience.

By following these pathways the visually impaired are empowered to go out and live an unabridged lifestyle. The tactile warnings are a proven system that enables everyone to travel in a safe and reliable manner.

By
Shawn Osborne

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