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An empirical approach on the design of tactile maps and diagrams: The cognitive tactualization approach

Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK s.jehoel{at}surrey.ac.uk

Don McCallum

Jonathan Rowell

Geography Department, Anglia Polytechnic University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK

Simon Ungar

Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK

Tactile maps and diagrams need to be carefully designed in order to be readable by the visually impaired user. In the Tactile Inkjet Mapping Project, we attempt to provide a new orientation for tactile map design through a rigorous programme of experimental research on design issues (cognitive tactualization approach). In this article we discuss three of our studies. The first study evaluates the use of different background materials for tactile graphics. The second study looks at the minimal perceptible distance between two lines. The third study investigates the optimal elevation (height off the paper) at which graphics are produced. We argue that experimental studies like these represent a necessary basis for the design of tactile maps.

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