Experts’ View on Accessible Wayfinding and Signage

Written by Grace Bongard, Stef Samson, Minrui Wen

Image of two people having a conversation

Wayfinding and Signage are integrated into our daily lives, but how many of you realize how inaccessible it can be? Today, we are going to hear the views of two professionals. One of our professionals is Dr. Layal Shuman, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University with a strong background in design studies. We would also like to introduce Priyanka Chanda, a designer who is highly experienced in user experience (UX) and accessible design. Their extensive knowledge in the field gives beneficial insight into the topic of accessible wayfinding and signage. In this blog, we will share their thoughts on accessible signage and wayfinding signage in the Toronto public transit system. With their professional opinions, we can better understand the importance of accessible wayfinding signage.

We asked both industry professionals a few questions, to help us gain further insight into the importance of wayfinding within the Toronto Transit System. Priyanka provides us with a comprehensive framework that she follows when it comes to accessibility features within wayfinding designs; simultaneously, Layal does a phenomenal job at further explaining how these features exist both successfully and unsuccessfully within structures such as the TTC. We asked both of our experts the following three questions, and explored their thoughts below:

1. What do you think are the most important features of accessibility in signage?

As a top graphic design voice, Priyanka explained to us that from her personal experience working towards accessibility in wayfinding, clarity and simplicity are two crucial factors to consider during the design process. Keeping language straightforward and direct, while keeping in mind design consideration features such as high contrast between colours and legible fonts, makes it easier for the user to assess the information provided quickly.

As an expert in all things typography, Layal explains that displaying and applying strong typographic skills involves communicating effectively by “using the correct typeface for the right setting.” Good typography equates to accessible typography; the two concepts overlap and coexist with each other. Utilizing design features such as toggling with size and hierarchy, and avoiding common mistakes such as choosing too decorative of font types, or not including enough hierarchy between line spacing, equate to a greater number of navigators understanding the directions communicated before them.

2. How would you define “accessible wayfinding signage? What makes signage accessible?

Priyanka defines accessible wayfinding signage from her perspective, as signage “intentionally designed to be user-friendly for people of all abilities.” Providing users with consistent and predictable information laid out uniformly along their journey greatly increases the chances of Torontonians utilizing the tools in place for them.

Layal explains that good design and accessible design are one entity that cannot be separated from each other. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to the final design output. What makes signage more inclusive and accessible is understanding, then utilizing the fact that humanity doesn’t all share the same capabilities. All good designers have the same ability to design, however, designers with diverse abilities may be able to critically assess the problem at hand differently. Including diverse folk within the critical design lens, aids everyone in creating a more inclusive and accessible wayfinding experience. Layal explains we should focus on designing for those who need it the most, then we design for everyone.

3. How would you improve the accessibility of wayfinding signage in the Toronto Transit System?

Priyanka’s insight into improving accessibility within the TTC wayfinding is checking how accessible the current structures in place are. Including the opinions and feedback from those who have different needs in accessibility, to assist in the greater good of all individuals. Signs should look the same everywhere so people know where to find information. Additionally, harnessing technological advancements available to us such as real-time transit updates, and maintaining the technology so it runs smoothly, helps everyone in the long run. Educating the transit staff on the above, as well as how to assist those whose needs may look different than others, is of high importance for accessibility on the TTC.

Layal raises the fact that it is the City of Toronto's responsibility to provide safe, reliable, and easy-to-follow directions to everyone. For example, the TTC signage on the corner of John and King Street is inaccessible to most by being placed far too high up, where pedestrians cannot locate directions over the construction and the overgrown foliage; a great example of poor signage location. To improve accessibility for structures such as the TTC, Layal raises the idea of implementing signage, where the colours and typeface create a uniform brand that can be easily located and distinguished, far from the differences we see between GO Transit, PATH, and TTC all being separate branding entities, that don’t look to be connected. Furthermore, Layal suggests creating multilingual signage that pays homage to the lands on which we live.

It is safe to say that there is no single solution to this problem, however, being mindful in our practices as designers, conscious of others' needs around us, and actively working to improve the structures existing around us, all aid in the fight to a more accessible TTC experience.