One step closer to achieving inclusive design: design considerations for clients with low vision

Abstract

While the low-vision population in America continues to increase, few empirical studies have been completed investigating how environmental factors affect a low-vision person’s ability to perceive the interior environment accurately. By using quantitative research methods to understand the critical relationship between contrast levels within the built environment and the ability of the low-vision and normal-sighted population to perceive that environment accurately, researchers can investigate safer and more inclusive interior spaces. Specifically, this study explores the environmental factor of contrast and how varying levels of contrast within interior spaces might affect the behaviour of low-vision participants within the interior environment. The findings demonstrate a preference among normal-sighted and low-vision participants for high-contrast environments, and their innate cues of high contrast.