A Guide to Navigating Airports with a Visual Impairment

This guide provides a continuous understanding of the human narratives behind these design barriers for people with visual impairments. The empathetically driven process led to the formulation of effective, compassionate solutions and beneficial changes, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive environment for everyone who takes flight in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Print Design

Atlanta Airport

Co-Design

01 Research Stage

02 Identifying Barriers

03 Final Book

01 Research Stage 02 Identifying Barriers 03 Final Book

Inclusive Design

“Incorporating empathy became pivotal in crafting a comprehensive book on universal design that addresses the challenges individuals with visual impairments face. Recognizing the inherent limitations in understanding others’ experiences without bias, I acknowledge the necessity to listen and learn directly from the source. Through the methodology of journey mapping, surveys, and case studies, I approached this endeavor with profound empathy, seeking to comprehend the intricate nuances of navigating spaces with visual impairments.”

“Journey mapping and wayfinding techniques became essential tools in my process to uncover obstacles and oversights in human-centered design, particularly in enhancing the accessibility and ease of the airport experience for everyone. This approach systematically identifies challenges, congestions, and points of inconvenience along the entire journey, enabling a detailed examination of where accessibility, clarity, or convenience might be deficient, from arrival at the airport to the boarding process.”

“In an airport’s busy world, good signage isn’t just about directions; it’s about making travelers feel sure and confident about where they’re headed. Now imagine this navigation being unreliable for you. Design processes frequently overlook individuals with visual impairments, particularly concerning signage. In this I used photoshop and AI to reimagine a bolder and more direct airline check in section.”

Fitting Rooms For All- A Co-Design Initative

While designers have progressed, many products and environments still exclude people with disabilities. The Design of retail fitting rooms can present significant obstacles for individuals who have lower body impairments and those who use wheelchairs or walkers. There are designated fitting rooms in retail stores such as Target, but small changes can be made to make all fitting rooms more accessible and comfortable for all individuals.