Last week The Velvet Principle attended a symposium hosted by the SDS and SEGD London Chapter focussing on inclusive design for wayfinding information. The event featured a series of thought-provoking presentations exploring the ‘what, why, when and how’ of inclusive design. Distilling what was a packed agenda into a few takeaways, is a challenge, but these were some of the highlights and key reminders for any wayfinding consultant and designer.
Beyond the aesthetics, colour has an important functional role in wayfinding design. Colour is often used to distinguish between floor levels, routes and different activity zones. For many people, colour offers a very clear and easy to follow intuitive cue to assist with navigation.
With an estimated 8% of the male population and 0.5% of the female population worldwide having some degree of colour vision deficiency, here’s some guidance on how to ensure the information is accessible
Historically inclusive design has tended to focus on visual or mobility impairments, with minimal consideration for neurodiversity or hidden disabilities. Thanks to a series of high-profile campaigns by a number of charities and support organisations, things are changing. In the wayfinding world, the successful accessible toilets campaign by Crohn’s & Colitis UK is one that comes to mind. However we need to move beyond the mindset that inclusive design is about catering for 20% of the population with a diagnosed disability. The reality is that most of us are likely to be affected by physical, sensory or cognitive impairments during our lifetime