If you run a business with a physical location, accessibility isn’t just about ramps and elevators—it’s also about making sure people with visual impairments, from seniors with deteriorating health to genetics, can navigate your space with ease. Good design isn’t just looking good. It’s also making sure your space actually works for everyone.
So here are 3 smart, simple design tips to help you do just that.
High Contrast = High Visibility
Let’s start with color. You want people to be able to tell where things begin and end, especially if they rely on limited vision. That means ditching the all-white, Pinterest-perfect look and going for contrast. Think dark door frames against light walls. Bright-colored signage on a dark background. Floor patterns that clearly show where walkways, steps, and hazards are.
Contrast helps define shapes, edges, and boundaries, which is a big deal if someone’s trying to navigate using peripheral vision or low light perception. It’s not making your space loud or chaotic. You can still keep things stylish. Just choose colors with purpose, and pair tones that really stand out from each other.
Clear, Simple Signage (Yes, Fonts Matter)
When it comes to signs, less is more. You want clean, high-contrast fonts (sans serif is your friend), no funky scripts, and good spacing between letters. Big, bold text works better than small, cramped lines. And yes, make sure the sign is placed at eye level or slightly lower, not floating somewhere above everyone’s head.
Also, think beyond just text. Icons and symbols are super helpful for quick recognition. A well-designed restroom sign or exit arrow can be more useful than a long explanation. And if your space is large or multi-leveled (like in a hotel, office building, or hospital) a tactile map or braille version of your directory can make a big difference.
Bonus tip? Light matters. Make sure your signs are well-lit, especially in hallways or corners that don’t get a lot of natural light.
Think Pathways, Not Just Rooms
Speaking of, it’s easy to focus on what happens inside each room, but the path that gets people there is just as important. Are the hallways wide enough for someone using a cane or guide dog? Is there a clear path with no random furniture jutting out? Are there tactile floor markers or mats that help guide people through the space?
Even something like having consistent flooring—no sudden jump from tile to deep carpet—can help with orientation. Changes in texture are fine (and often helpful), but they should be intentional and not confusing. And if you’ve got steps or level changes, mark those edges with bright tape or a textured strip.
Making your business visually accessible doesn’t have to mean big renovations. Thinking contrast, clarity, and clear paths is a good place to start so that everyone benefits.
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