THE INFLUENCE OF TACTILE-BASED SIGNAGE DESIGN ON THE COGNITIVE MAPPING AND WAYFINDING PERFORMANCE PROCESS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS IN A NOVEL ENVIRONMENT

• Main Author: Fakhruddin, Rifqi
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/83450
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Loss of vision significantly reduces environmental accessibility. The ability to navigate is closely linked to proficiency in wayfinding, which involves finding cues and creating mental maps. Visually impaired individuals rely on non-visual sensory aspects, such as tactile cues, to form cognitive maps of their surroundings. Navigating new and complex environments can cause confusion, anxiety, and require more time. Environmental intervention through tactile-based media, particularly in the form of designed signage, is scarcely explored. This study aims to identify the differing roles of three tactile signage design conditions—Raised Lines (RL), Texture (TX), and Elevated Graphics (EG)—in the wayfinding performance and cognitive mapping formation of visually impaired individuals through spatial tasks. Data collection involved experiments with blind and low vision participants in a simulated environment featuring the three design conditions: raised lines, texture, and elevated graphics. The experiment utilized spatial tasks, including navigation tasks, route recall, and place identification. Navigation tasks were measured using questionnaires and duration scores, while route recall and place identification were scored systematically. A repeated measures design with randomized order was employed for the three tactile design conditions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman tests to assess the effects and differences of the three tactile signage designs. Findings indicate no significant differences in navigation experience or scoring for route recall and place identification tasks. However, there was a significant difference in navigation task duration scores, with Raised Lines (RL) showing superior performance, particularly in duration scores. The study concludes that tactile signage designs play a significant role in assisting visually impaired individuals in comprehending their environment. These signage designs are expected to serve as valuable tools for visually impaired individuals, especially students in special education, in effectively training their Orientation and Mobility skills.