Movement
from an origin to a destination within a city is an inevitable activity for the
visually impaired this movement task is a difficult activity, given inability
to use visual properties. This study seeks to determine the type of information
that is acquired by the visually impaired to navigate from an origin to a
destination. An experiment with 12 totally visually impaired and 12 partially
visually impaired students were conducted in Lisboa, Portugal. Our method is based on
an analysis of wayfinding from a school for the visually impaired to a familiar
destination in the urban area of the city. Questionnaire survey methods were
used to determine reference points, which senses (hearing, touch, smell) were
used and problems experienced in reaching the destination by walking. The key
findings show that there are differences between the two groups in terms of
their use of reference points, use of the senses and problems encountered on
the wayfinding trip to the destination. As a result of the study it is
suggested that those who design aids for the visually impaired should have
stronger experiences of the perceptions.
Include Asia 2013: Global Challenges and Local Solutions in Inclusive Design, Hong Kong
Include Asia 2013: Global Challenges and Local Solutions in Inclusive Design, Hong Kong
