Usability evaluation of detectable warning surfaces in Quebec City (Canada): an exploratory study

Abstract

Background

International standards govern the installation of detectable warning surfaces in urban environments. However, the application of these standards at the local level poses many challenges due to contextual differences.

Methods

The aim of this qualitative cross-sectional study was to evaluate the usability of detectable warning surfaces installed in Quebec City (Canada) with people with visual impairments. Nineteen participants with various profiles visited two sites where the detectable warning surfaces had been installed. They tested the surfaces as well as adjacent urban facilities following a pedestrian route. They were then interviewed about what they thought of the detectable warning surfaces: their usefulness, messages transmitted, locations chosen, how safe they make users feel, types of environment in which they should be installed, how detectable they are, their advantages and disadvantages, and any desired improvements.

Results

Generally, the participants understood the messages transmitted by the warning surfaces and were in favor of their installation. They identified some disadvantages and suggested various improvements.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide important information concerning the usability of detectable warning surfaces for partners and stakeholders in Quebec City and also contribute to the international literature in this field.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Detectable warning surfaces increase the readability or use of road infrastructures by people with visual impairments. They make it easier for them to get around independently.

• This project supports the importance of establishing an effective communication plan, particularly with the aim of clarifying the contexts of implantation and the messages transmitted by the detectable warning surfaces to the people with visual impairments. Training could systematically be offered to them by an orientation and mobility specialist.

• It is also important to inform and educate the general public and bus drivers about the presence of detectable warning surfaces. Information could be transmitted via some community organizations and the public transit networks.

• In order to effectively coordinate the implantation process of detectable warning surfaces, communication and consultation between the various stakeholders are essential, including the designers, the municipalities and the concerned government authorities.

Keywords:

• Visual impairment
• detectable warning surfaces
• accessibility
• mobility
• inclusive city
• participatory research

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all members of the steering committee: Martin Robichaud (RTC), Nathalie Bendwell (Quebec City), Valérie Martel (CIUSSS-CN, IRDPQ), Olivier Collomb D’Eyrames (ROP03), René Binet (RPHV), and Jean-Michel Bernier (RPHV). Thanks also to Valérie Valiquette-Trépanier for her assistance with data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 Themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis of the interviews are identified in italics below.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the “Participation sociale et villes inclusives” (PSVI) Research Team, funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC) [grant number 2015-SE-179189]. This work was also supported by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) under a Research Scholar grant detained by François Routhier [grant number 34699].