Feelway
Designed by Alex Bazan, B.F.A. in Design
The Feelway is a retro-fit wayfinding system for the blind and visually impaired. Similar to tactile paving in form, it is a system that uses a series of textures made to alert pedestrians of different areas situated within specific locations. The mats are on average 1/4-inch thick and sized to fit sidewalk (3-5ft) and doorway widths.
Using texture differentiation, various feelway mats are placed at different intersection points and location entrances to reinforce spatial recognition. These mats act as subtle reminders of where users are located and are used at important areas such work, school, and government buildings.
The BVI (blind and visually impaired) community often have to adapt to interfaces that were never designed for them and rely on
public infrastructure to navigate spaces safely. The Feelway provides a low-risk wayfinding solution that adapts to existing urban infrastructure, reducing renovation costs and supporting independent navigation.
