Abstract
Many assistive technology researchers motivate their blind navigation work based on navigation being difficult due to one’s visual impairment. However, through our extensive navigation-related studies with 46 visually impaired adults we learned that architectural details and environmental designs are primarily what make navigation difficult, not one’s disability. In this paper we expound on the ways that architecture both aids and hinders blind pedestrian navigation. We also propose architectural and environmental changes that would better support navigators and future technologies through accessible and standardized architecture. With this we also make a case for collaborations between technologists and architects (especially those focused on accessible architecture).
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
ADA (1990) Americans with disabilities act of 1990. Available at: www.ada.gov/archive/adastat91.htm (Accessed in November 2015)
Cang Y, Soonhac H, and Xiangfei Q (2014) A co-robotic cane for blind navigation. IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics (SMC): 1082-1087
Folmer E (2015) Exploring the use of an aerial robot to guide blind runners. SIGACCESS Accessibility Computing Newsletter 112: 3-7
Gomez JL, Langdon PM, Bichard JA, Clarkson PJ (2014) Designing accessible workplaces for visually impaired people. In: Langdon PM, Lazar J, Heylighen A, Dong H (Eds.) Inclusive designing - Joining usability, accessibility, and inclusion. Springer
Havik EM, Melis-Dankers BJ, Steyvers FJJM, Kooijman AC (2012) Accessibility of shared space for visually impaired persons: An inventory in the Netherlands. British Journal of Visual Impairment 30(3): 132-148
MASB (n.d.) Orientation and mobility. Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. Available at: www.msab.state.mn.us/Programs/orientationmobility/ (Accessed in November 2015)
Newell A (2003) The future for ICT. In: Clarkson J, Coleman R, Keates S, Lebbon C (Eds.) Inclusive design: Design for the whole population. Springer
Steinfeld E, Maisel JL (2012) Universal design: Creating inclusive environments. Wiley & Sons, NJ, USA
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this paper
Cite this paper
Williams, M.A. et al. (2016). Better Supporting Blind Pedestrians and Blind Navigation Technologies Through Accessible Architecture. In: Langdon, P., Lazar, J., Heylighen, A., Dong, H. (eds) Designing Around People. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29498-8_25
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29498-8_25
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-29496-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-29498-8
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)