Inclusive Wayfinding: co-designing architectural recommendations for people with learning disability

Kasem, Menatalla ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7650-661X, Clark, Sam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4597-5162 and Sakellariou, Dikaios ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2668-2834 2025. Inclusive Wayfinding: co-designing architectural recommendations for people with learning disability. Presented at: The 28th IAPS Conference, Barcelona, 2 - 5 July 2024.

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Abstract

Successfully orienting through the built environment requires the ability to comprehend and utilize wayfinding information, a cognitive process that poses challenges for people with learning disability. (Castell, 2012) Learning disability, characterized by cognitive impairments, may hinder one's capacity to process information effectively. (Mencap, 2022) Consequently, people with learning disability encounter difficulties in acquiring and processing essential wayfinding information, leading to frustration and disappointment when faced with the prospect of abandoning the process due to challenges in maintaining focus, impatience with prolonged navigation times and/or illegible, protracted routes (Salmi, 2007). This paper is derived from a doctoral study dedicated to unravelling the spatial barriers encountered by people with learning disability during their navigation of buildings specifically shopping centres. The study was conducted in three stages: Stage one comprised interviews aimed at understanding the usage patterns within the learning disability community. Within stage two, walking interviews were conducted within a selected case study building, followed by stage three, a co-design workshops involving people with learning disability. These workshops delved deeper into the spatial barriers faced, ultimately culminating in the development of wayfinding solutions and aids tailored to support their navigation processes. The research identified key challenges, including unclear layouts, ambiguous signage, absence of wayfinding aids, and a lack of support staff as significant barriers faced by people with learning disability when orienting buildings. This paper concludes with a set of co-produced recommendations advocating for the design of clear signage and innovative wayfinding aids, offering a pathway towards a more accessible built environment for people with learning disability. This collaborative approach, bridged the gap between architecture research with the lived experiences and insights of people with learning disabilities, paving the way for a more inclusive and accommodating future in spatial design and navigation.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Other)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Architecture
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NA Architecture
Last Modified:	10 Jun 2025 09:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178680

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