Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to explore an essential aspect of barrier-free(accessible) design: building signage. We’ll use a quiz format to delve into this important topic.
When we move through a building, how do we find our way to our destination? That’s right, we rely on signs and information boards. Let’s challenge ourselves with a quiz about these crucial navigational aids.
Quiz:
In a single building, it is desirable that the design of information boards and signs should be [ ].
Answer: Unified
Why is it desirable to unify the design of signage within a building? The reason is to make the signs easily understandable for everyone, including people with intellectual disabilities. When designs are unified, users can receive information in the same format no matter where they are in the building, helping to avoid confusion.
This standard isn’t just about making things look nice. It serves the important purpose of creating spaces that are easy for everyone to use. Unified design offers the following benefits:
- Improved Visibility: With repeated use of the same design, users can quickly find the information they need.
- Ease of Understanding: Consistent design makes it easier to grasp the meaning of information. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with reading or for foreign visitors.
- Psychological Comfort: Familiar designs throughout a space can provide a sense of security to users.
- Efficient Movement: Unified signage helps ensure smooth traffic flow within a building.
International Examples
Looking at examples from abroad, in the UK, for instance, there are guidelines for sign design in public transportation. These guidelines recommend the adoption of unified designs nationwide. As a result, travelers and people with disabilities can encounter similar signage at any station or airport, supporting their mobility.
Japanese Example
In Japan, the Tokyo Metro’s in-station sign system is a good example. Lines are color-coded, and station numbers and exit numbers are displayed in a unified design. This creates an environment that’s easy to understand for many users, including foreign tourists.
As we can see, unifying signage design is an important step towards barrier-free(accessible) environments. However, it’s not just about making designs match. We need to consider various elements such as color contrast, font size, and the use of pictograms.
What we can do is pay attention to signage design in our daily lives and speak up if we notice areas for improvement. Small observations can lead to the realization of a society that’s easy for everyone to use.
The next time you enter a building, try checking if the signage designs are unified. And if they’re not, it might be interesting to consider what kind of impact that could have.
Barrier-free(Accessible) design isn’t just for specific groups of people. It aims to create environments that are easy for everyone to use. Unifying signage design is an important step towards this goal.
Barrier-free(Accessible) Design Leading to Corporate Profits
Here, we’ve discussed the necessity of barrier-free(accessible) design.
The spread of barrier-free(accessible) design is essential for everyone to lead safe and comfortable lives. However, there are many challenges in its realization due to the substantial costs involved in setting up barrier-free(accessible) facilities. On the other hand, barrier-free(accessible) ideas born from the perspectives of people with disabilities have the potential to not only make society more convenient for everyone but also bring significant economic benefits to companies.
A prime example of this is the “lighter.” Born from the simple wish of a person with limited use of one hand who thought, “Matches are difficult because you need both hands to light them. If only there was something that could light a fire easily with one hand…”, the lighter has been loved worldwide and generated enormous profits.
This is a good example of how responding to the needs of people with disabilities can lead to the creation of products that are easy for everyone to use, bringing economic benefits to companies.
Lahiners LLC and the NPO Japan Disability Idea Association are working on creating mechanisms to connect such ideas from people with disabilities to business opportunities.
Barrier-free(Accessible) design is a very important initiative that combines social contribution with economic potential. We hope that more companies and individuals will take an interest in barrier-free(accessible) design and actively work towards its realization in the future.
Note: Please confirm accurate information on the websites of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) or relevant agencies in each country.
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