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Usability evaluation of detectable warning surfaces in Quebec City (Canada): an exploratory study
François Routhier1,2, Josiane Lettre2, David Fiset2
1Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|August 27, 2019
Summary
Detectable warning surfaces are generally understood and favored by visually impaired individuals in Quebec City, though improvements are suggested. This research highlights their importance for independent navigation and informs future installations.
Area of Science:
- Urban planning and accessibility research.
- Human-computer interaction and usability studies.
- Rehabilitation engineering and assistive technologies.
Background:
- International standards exist for detectable warning surfaces in urban areas.
- Local implementation faces challenges due to diverse environmental contexts.
- This study addresses the need to evaluate real-world usability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the usability of detectable warning surfaces for visually impaired individuals in Quebec City.
- To gather user feedback on usefulness, safety, and detectability.
- To identify areas for improvement in installation and design.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative, cross-sectional study design.
- Nineteen visually impaired participants evaluated two installation sites.
- Pedestrian route testing followed by semi-structured interviews.
Main Results:
- Participants generally understood the tactile warnings and supported their use.
- Several disadvantages and specific improvement suggestions were identified.
- User feedback provided insights into optimal placement and design.
Conclusions:
- Detectable warning surfaces enhance urban infrastructure readability for the visually impaired.
- Effective communication and stakeholder collaboration are crucial for successful implementation.
- Training for users and public awareness campaigns are recommended.
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