Priority Areas: Access to Knowledge
Practice Details: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) launched a redesign of their wayfinding system designed for accessibility and universality. The redesign included a simplified, uniform navigation system using letters, numbers, colors, and shapes with a focus on legibility and accessibility. SEPTA writes that, “The consistent use of a letter paired with the line color provides an accessible solution that can be understood by those with limited English proficiency, challenges with literacy, and color vision deficiency. The scale of message that can be achieved through this simple icon also enhances legibility for those with visual impairment.”
Why It’s Promising: Simplified wayfinding increases access to knowledge for travelers with cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, and limited English proficiency. SEPTA engaged with individuals with disabilities in creating the wayfinding plan in order to ensure accessibility.
Replication: Agencies can consider how to simplify their wayfinding systems to improve cognitive and visual accessibility.
Sources:
- Get to Know SEPTA Metro – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
- Accessibility – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority