Universal design and visual impairment: tactile products for heritage access

Abstract

This article presents a pilot study carried out in the city of Barcelona on assistive resources applied to an itinerary of possible interest to visually impaired people. The objective of this study was to use qualitative research techniques to analyze the use of tactile maps, produced with 3D printing, in order to allow people to identify and memorize routes. This analysis was carried out using an evaluation model based on the principles of Universal Design (UD). Four visually impaired users participated in this initial study. They tried the different mock-ups, providing an experience in response to the main research questions: “Could 3D printing be a good technique for making tactile maps for all users, especially visually impaired users?” and “Could a visually impaired person use a map printed with this technique to learn a route to visit an accessible heritage site?”