Contrast is King in the Design of Public Spaces
contrast \ ˈkän-ˌtrast: degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture
What a simple term “contrast” is. Yet, as a highly visually impaired person, this simple thing can make a tremendous difference in my day-to-day life. Whether it be spotting a white bathroom door on a white wall in a dimly lit corridor or pouring hot coffee into a dark cup, the contrast matters. Some of these things are within my power to control. Such as choosing a light coffee cup to contrast with the dark liquid. However, I have no control over color and lighting choices made by others out in the bigger world. That is what this post is about. Simple design choices can make a world of difference for the visually impaired.
Like most people that are considered blind, but can see a little, I am often faced with trying to distinguish between similar color shades and it is nearly always frustrating and difficult. As in the example mentioned above, trying to locate a bathroom door that is essentially the same color as the wall that is around it. Why not paint the door a contrasting color? It would be impossible for me to tell you how many times I have walked into doors and walls, embarrassing myself and often causing some level of pain, just because I couldn’t quite find the door. A dark wall with a light door or a light wall with a dark door. Either way works for me and it takes no more effort and likely, no additional cost, on the part of the person that designed that space.
What about walls and floors? Why are these so often the same colors in restrooms? Seriously. Once I stumble through the door I couldn’t see, I am faced with a landscape of sameness. Hello, the wall that I just ran into because it is the same color as everything else. Where is your sink that is also the same color? In these cases, I am thankful that the soap and towel dispensers are usually contrasting shades because I can usually spot those and that tells me where the sink could be. Why do they make this so difficult?
On a side note, because I love side notes, what are “public spaces?” My definition would be places where people commonly go in public. This might include restaurants, gyms, sporting/concert venues, and movie theaters. These are all places that I love to go to, even as someone who is blind. Blind people like to go out and have fun too. I do find that the vast majority of them are not friendly to people with limited sight.
While we are on the subject, maybe consider adding some additional or better lighting to your public spaces. A well-lit space is more inviting, easier to navigate, and makes a big difference for most people with visual impairment. Why are restaurants always so dark? Why should I have to use my flashlight on my phone to read the menu? Why are movie theater hallways so dimly lit? Do we need “mood lighting” in these hallways?
Let me make this clear. I do not expect the world to conform to meet all of my needs. However, I do think that many people would benefit from making some small adjustments in design to the spaces that we all visit. Whether you are blind, aging, or simply have tired eyes, more contrast really can help.
