Suite of signs

Wayfinding equal access markers

Wayfinding markers are designed as simple directional information signs, typically located at the entrance to an open space. These signs are typically designed to be read by everyone, including people with low vision.

Download the full LIM Signage suite Catalogue.

Technical drawings and artwork templates

Embellishment	Technical dwg/artwork template	Supplier
	Wayfinding equal access markers - Type 1 Techncial drawing: S-WAY-type1 Artwork template: Link xxxx	No supplier specified
	Wayfinding equal access markers - Type 2 Technical drawing: S-WAY-type2 Artwork template: Link xxx	No supplier specified

Purpose

Wayfinding equal access markers are a bollard sign designed to be read by everyone and be touch read by people with low vision. The bollard may contain raised tactile lettering and or pictograms. It may also be accompanied by Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) Grade 1 for people who are blind, site specific). 

The markers can either be installed along-side and complement the 'Map and information entry sign' or  'Pedestrian entry sign'  OR  be installed as a stand alone sign.  The content is used with the intent of minimising risk and enhancing visitor experience. 

The sign is typically placed at primary entry points:

• A wayfinding equal access marker is to be installed in accordance with AS 1428.4.2:2018.
• The marker is designed to compliment the entry sign located at the entrance to an appropriate open space to direct the reader to key destinations within the site.   
• The marker must be positioned on the right hand side of: 
  • a Map and information entry sign  or  
  • a Pedestrian entry sign. 
  • may be used as a stand alone marker (site specific). 
• Uniformity of installation will over time, educate people to associate this location with the wayfinding marker.  
• The marker provides the site name, key attractions, with directional arrows or distances, as well as supporting approved pictograms. 

Type 1 - 1200 mm height plate - installed three ways:

• along-side a Map and information entry sign (as shown) 
• along-side a Pedestrian entry sign
• installed as a stand-alone sign. 

Type 2 - 900 mm height plate - stand-along directional sign only. 

Planning

General

The wayfinding markers have been developed in response to the AS 1428.2.4:2018. See LIM signage suite - Overarching guidelines - Equal access for further guidance.

• The wayfinding marker contains raised tactile text or pictograms. It also may contain equivalent information in Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) Grade 1, only where a site is deemed accessible for blind persons to navigate.
• Wayfinding markers may be single or double sided.  
  • A double sided marker may only be considered if the accompanying an appropriate entry sign (positioned beside the marker) is a double sided sign.   
  • If the marker is utilised as a stand alone sign however, double or single sided may apply freely. 
• The intended use of the open space must be considered to determine the use of the directional marker:
  • Does the open space facilities and access cater for people with low vision and people who are blind (VIPs).
  • The level at which open space caters for VIPs, will determine the number of markers required and the type of accessible design components incorporated into the marker panel.
  • If the open space is deemed safe for a blind person to navigate, raised text accompanied must be incorporated. Optional consideration for increased capability, include Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) Grade 1. 
    • Braille must not be incorporated if the immediate open space is not deemed accessible/safe for blind people. The absence of Braille in this instance denotes that the it is not a safe navigational area for blind people.  

Design

Legal, standards and guidelines, requirements

Markers must be positioned at optimum heights (1.2 m - 1.7 m above finished surface level) to be read by touch, by people with low vision and people who are blind. 

Content general

• All sign artwork is to be professionally designed (by a qualified graphic designer or equivalent) as vector files. 
• Sign content must be accurately researched and approved by council asset custodian prior to print. 
• The name of the reserve/park must be clearly displayed at the top of the sign. This information may be vital in emergencies.
• Reserve/park name and spelling must be checked against council records to ensure accuracy.
• All regulatory pictograms must be approved by Council (Community Response) prior to printing.  
• Corporate branding banner
• Option to provide Raised tactile and Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) Grade 1 (where applicable). This would remove the need to install an Equal access wayfinding marker, however this is not preferred. 
  • The Braille must be a height of 6.0 mm. This international standard enables a person who is blind to run their finger over the Braille alphabet and interpret in one continuous sweep.
  • The UEBC, it must be positioned directly below the corresponding raised tactile text. 

Positioning

General

Additional requirements

• When considering installing a wayfinding marker, decide if the destination/s are accessible via a continuous accessible path of travel.
• The marker must be installed to the right of a open space entry sign or as a stand alone sign. People with low vision and people who are blind will become accustomed to the marker location, which in turn will aid in navigation of other parks and reserves which apply the same standard. 
• In accordance with AS 1428.4.2:2018, to enable the sign to be read by touch, a minimum reach space of 325 mm is required in front of a sign containing raised tactile and Braille. (Females 325 mm, Males 400 mm). See Figure 11.
• Where a sign is installed beside a new pathway, a luminance contrast textured treatment (such as coloured exposed aggregate) is recommended to form the sign slab and must extend the full width of the path of travel. This treatment creates a visual and physical cue for people with low vision and people who are blind to identify a sign adjoining a pathway.
• The marker must be positioned a minimum 200 mm from the right hand side of the supporting accompanying entry sign.
• They may be used as stand-alone signs in the following circumstances:
  • Where a section of the open space requires additional wayfinding direction signing.
  • In place of a Map and information sign or Pedestrian entry sign (stand alone sign).
  • At decision points accessible to aid people with low vision and people who are blind.
  • To identify the conclusion of an equal access pathway. The marker can be installed to identify changes to a pathway. E.g. to prevent people with low vision and people who are blind, from venturing into potential hazard trail areas, such as, trails that contain uneven surfaces, narrow sections, steps and steep climbs. 

See the following for further guidance:

• Figure 10 Typical positioning – install with a typical Map and information entry sign
• Figure 11: Typical positioning – install with a typical Pedestrian entry sign
• Figure 12: Typical positioning – stand-alone sign.

Figure 10: Typical positioning – install with a typical Map and information entry sign

Figure 11: Typical positioning options – install with a typical Pedestrian entry sign

Figure 12: Typical positioning options – stand-alone sign

Delivery