Statement
What role does design play in shaping culture and society? What is the social responsibility of graphic communication design in conveying information? What special groups should graphic designers pay attention to when meeting the needs of their target audience?
After conducting a week-long investigation and analysis of the Wayfinding System at Central Saint Martins, we identified shortcomings in terms of Disability Justice and Accessibility and decided to focus on blind individuals as the target audience for this redesign of the Wayfinding System. As a group, we attempted to convey information to blind individuals through typography, symbols, and materials, without impacting the environment or other people. Our goal was to emphasize the identity and equality of blind individuals, hoping to provoke public reflection on the relationship between able-bodied people and people with disabilities. In addition, we also focused on environmental friendliness and sustainability. For the supporting materials, we chose recyclable discarded cardboard.
Annotated Bibliography
01. Why we should really be concerned about the visual identity for the Tokyo Olympics.
Wayfinding design, as an important component of visual identity, ultimately aims to achieve effective communication of information. In the article by Tokyo-based designer Ian Lynam, the author lists and compares cases such as the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, the 1972 Munich Olympics, and the 2012 London Olympics, showing how the visual identities of the events reflect the spirit of the era within different historical and cultural contexts. In addition, the author emphasizes that design should connect with the public, incorporating aesthetics into the social and cultural context to enhance the audience’s sense of identity and belonging.
In this project, the public identity is centered on disability, with a focus on visually impaired individuals. This prompts us to consider: How do blind individuals “read” spatial information? How can wayfinding systems enhance accessibility through touch, sound, or other means? In addition, we have also considered ethical issues in design: Who are our target audiences? Have their needs been overlooked? Do we have unconscious design biases?
02. Fuck Content.
Traditional wayfinding systems typically rely on visual elements such as typography, icons, and colors to guide people through spaces. These elements are effective for individuals with normal vision, as they are easy to understand and interpret. However, for visually impaired individuals, these visual “contents” hold little to no meaning. As a result, the challenge becomes how to communicate information in a way that doesn’t rely on sight. This issue has become a key area for designers to explore in their quest to create more inclusive and accessible environments.
Michael Rock, a designer from the 2×4 design studio, pointed out in his article a common issue among most designers today—their excessive reliance on “content.” He argues that design should not only convey information but also possess its own narrative and impact. In this project, where the target audience cannot directly “see” the content, elements such as materials, sound, and space may serve as carriers of information. This has inspired us to rethink our understanding of “information transmission” and the representation of “content,” leading us to create a wayfinding system better suited for visually impaired individuals.
03. Legibility for Users with Visual Disabilities.
In our group study, we investigated how design can support visually impaired individuals, with a focus on incorporating tactile elements into public spaces. This article discusses the significance of environmental cues such as Braille and tactile paving in providing independent navigation for the blind. These systems allow users to interpret their surroundings through touch, enhancing their confidence and maneuverability.
One example emphasized in the article is the use of tactile paving, which provides clear directional signals to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating streets and intersections. This design not only improves security, but also enhances individuals’ abilities by allowing them to navigate independently.
We realized that while these solutions are highly effective, they demonstrate a broader demand for more inclusive design. Creating spaces that consider the diverse needs of all users should not be an afterthought, but rather a core element of urban planning. This encourages us to critically consider how design can shape a more equitable and accessible environment.
04. Tactile Paving – How Blocks with Dots Help Provide Street Sense for the Blind.
In our group research, we explored various design solutions aimed at improving urban navigation for visually impaired individuals, with a focus on tactile paving. This exploration has helped me understand how design can play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and inclusion. Tactile paving, with its distinctive raised dots, offers a practical way to provide spatial awareness for blind and visually impaired people, transforming how they interact with their surroundings.
The tactile paving system, which uses raised dots to guide visually impaired individuals along streets and across intersections. These tactile surfaces allow users to sense changes in direction, proximity to obstacles, and safe crossing points. This simple yet effective design highlights how the built environment can be transformed to better support individuals with disabilities. From this case, I realized that inclusive design should not only address the immediate functional needs but also contribute to a broader vision of accessibility that fosters a fairer, more equitable society.
05. Braille Staircase Handrail.
In our team’s exploration, we focused on wayfinding systems and how design can improve the independence and safety of visually impaired individuals. This exploration deepened my understanding of disability justice and accessibility, particularly in fostering more inclusive environments. A project was the Braille staircase handrail, which integrates Braille into the handrail, allowing visually impaired users to better navigate stairs. This design is not only functional but also demonstrates how thoughtful design can directly enhance both safety and accessibility. It also prompted me to recognize that design should go beyond addressing the practical needs of disabled individuals. It should also contribute to broader goals of inclusion, fairness, and justice. This project reshaped my perspective on design, encouraging me to think more critically about how to create spaces that promote equal opportunities and support all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This experience highlighted the importance of designing with empathy and social responsibility.
06. Knock-Knock Bricks.
During our group research, we focused on how design can better serve the needs of visually impaired individuals, particularly by incorporating braille into wayfinding systems to enhance their autonomy and safety. This investigation has deepened my understanding of Disability Justice and Accessibility, revealing the importance of not just functional design but also the role of innovation in creating inclusive environments.
A particularly striking design is the braille staircase handrail. By embedding braille into the handrail, it helps visually impaired individuals navigate stairs more effectively. This simple yet functional design demonstrates how design can directly improve accessibility and safety in daily life. Through this case, I have come to realize that design is not just about solving immediate practical issues but also about creating environments that advance societal progress in Disability Justice. It is essential to create spaces that are not only physically accessible but also socially inclusive, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Reference
Lynam, I.,(2020). Why we should really be concerned about the visual identity for the Tokyo Olympics. Medium.
Rock, M. (2009). Fuck Content. 2×4 Ideas.
Mahadevaswamy, U.B., Aashritha, D., Joshi, N.S., Naina Gowda, K.N. and Syed Asif, M.N. (2021). Indoor Navigation Assistant for Visually Impaired (INAVI). Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, [online] pp.239–253.
Blind Globetrotters, 2023. Tactile paving: How blocks with dots help provide street sense for the blind.
Tuvie, (2023). Braille staircase handrail to navigate visually impaired people while on walking up or down stairs.
Red Dot, (2023). Knock Knock Brick.
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