Innovative Communication

On display at Digital Signage Tec 2012 was a new product called ‘Touch Signage’.
Meng is a company that provides classic signage with Braille signs to enable visually impaired people to find their way safely.
I took the opportunity to talk to Nicole Cullmann.
 
 
Jan Back: How did you get the idea for ‘Touch Signage’?
 
Nicole Cullmann: We work closely with our clients to create individual solutions for projects, on this occasion we were researching products on the Internet and it was apparent the choice was limited. We thrive on innovation and new ideas, an example of which is ‘Touch Signage’.
 
JB: How long has the concept taken to evolve?
 
NC: The development time has been over 12 months and the prototypes have been tested on internal employees and existing customers.
 
JB: Why do you think customers select you to develop their solutions?
 
NC: Not only do we specialise in analogue and digital signage products typically displayed in public buildings with high visitor frequency’s such as hospitals, public administrations, airports and shopping centres. But we have the added advantage of being able to meet customer’s individual customer requirements by integrating design ideas into the signage systems. The combination of innovative technology and unique design has always been our trademark. New German legislation recommends that it is good practice to provide communications to the visually impaired to ensure they can access information for example site maps, floor plans, fire exits etc.
 
JB: How does the ‘Touch Signage’ work?
 
NC: Visually the map is accessible to all visitors due to the design; it is attractive and encompasses a dual purpose signage method. By using our previous knowledge and expertise we have designed a product that encompasses many of the fundamental elements that are key to this communication method being successful. We have selected acrylic in a range of patterns and colours and that has been built into the design, the patterns are then linked into an area on the map for example restaurants, the visitors can then either run their hands over the acrylic and Braille to determine where they are, what they are looking for and facilities within the site.
 
JB: What are the key design features?
 
NC: We ensure that our designs comply with all relevant accessibility legislation and that the solution will meet every requirement: The touch graphic relies on the fact that people will be able to recognise letters, very often the visually impaired lose their sight over time, and it’s not usually instantaneous.
 
To do this we recommend the following as a guideline:
 
The smallest tactile letter should be 10mm and 28pt Headings should be 18-28mm high Black lettering should be on a light background White lettering should be on a dark background Raised lettering for touch recognition Uppercase lettering only Avoid different colours on different coloured backgrounds (as this can irritate colour blind people)
 
JB: Has there been an increase in demand for this type of signage?
 
NC: There has been an increase in demand from customers who need dual purpose communication that encompass touch to meet the new legislation changes. We are excited about the development and will ensure we can meet all customers’ individual needs.
 
JB: What does the future hold?
 
NC: Touch communication is an exciting new area for us. It allows us to get close to our customers and ensure they meet the needs of all the visitors ensuring that information is accessible. We are excited about the project growth and we are already developing new solutions for clients. Demand from visitors will drive future activity forward.