Many years ago, whilst pregnant and looking as though I had swallowed a sofa, I toyed with the idea of writing “Fatty’s Guide to London Toilets” as manoeuvring myself and sizeable bump into certain cubicles was akin to a challenge in Total Wipeout.
However, my interest in the smallest room waned over time, until a chance conversation at a recent workplace conference. How do blind people manage the most fundamental of activities in a location unknown to them? Where are the cubicles, is the seat up or down (or is there a seat at all?), and, critically, how do you flush the thing? We are all getting used to the idea of waving at a black circle, but how do you know where it is or if you should be seeking a handle or pull-chain instead?
We tend to focus on mobility issues when designing for disabled people, but we are taking away a big chunk of independence from those who are blind or partially sighted in a personal and potentially embarrassing way. So come on, empathic designers, find a way to communicate these basic details to those who cannot see for themselves.
Right, off my soap box now (washing my hands before I leave, of course).