Accessibility at the AC 2022
Accessibility Redesign:
The Athletic Centre
Project Overview
The project focused on redesigning the University of Toronto's Athletic Centre to enhance accessibility for people with mobility impairments. The redesign aimed to address physical and informational barriers identified through research and observations. The project emphasized creating an inclusive environment for people with impaired mobility to access fitness facilities.
My Contribution
My role in the research phase was centered around field investigation and user observations to identify key issues in the AC. My efforts in the design phase were reflected in creating an inclusive kiosk system, with a focus on overcoming informational barriers faced by both mainstream groups and those with mobility impairments.
1. User Research and Barrier Identifying
We started by understanding our target user and industrial environment through secondary research (due to ethical constraints) including academic literature, existing standards and guidelines, and first-hand accounts like shared articles and social media of the gym users. We found people with disabilities are underrepresented in fitness:
"3% of gym users nationwide have a disability of some kind, and over 20% of the Canadian population over the age of 15 has a disability."(Kovac, 2018; Morris et al., 2018)
We also relied on primary research such as field investigations, observations and interviews to identify barriers that hinder accessibility. The insights gained were instrumental in guiding the redesign to focus mainly on reducing the information and physical barriers which could be tangibly altered through our solutions, thus incidentally addressing certain issues under the rest two:
2. Informational Kiosk
- UX Design
We proposed creating self-service kiosks in the physical area to provide easy access to complex information and assist in navigation, as well as to integrate accessibility features to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments. My role was in charge of designing of the kiosk system, which included the key UX, physical design and implementation plan.
The kiosk is designed to support users in navigating the building, providing information about accessible routes, adaptable equipment, and programming. It features a user-friendly interface with options for voice control, mobile mode, and touch screen, catering to various user abilities.
-Physical Kiosk
The physical design of the kiosk has to be fully accessible to accommodate our target group - wheelchair users. The physical design of the kiosk is accessible, with adjustable height and angle, and placed in areas with sufficient space for wheelchair access.
-Implementation Plan
The implementation plan involves strategic placement at key locations such as entrances, main floor lobby, change rooms, and entrances to main facilities like pools and gyms. This aims to provide a seamless user journey by offering immediate, convinience access to essential information and navigation aids, promoting independence and a intuitive experience for users.
3. Signages, Space and Accessibility Option
The group also proposed improvement in physical areas and facilities focusing on on three key areas to address the barriers:
1. Signage Redesign:
Implement larger, more visible signs with clear directions throughout the facility. Ensure signs include symbols and braille for broader accessibility. Place signs at strategic locations for ease of navigation.
2. Space Reorganization:
Reorganize the gym equipment to create a more accessible and safe environment. Arrange free weights close to the wall to prevent falls and injuries, with a variety of weights accessible at different heights.
3. Accessibility Station
Multistation that can offer adaptable equipments for users with disabilities like swing-away seats. Specialist assistance and training programs to accommodate the needs from disabled groups.
4. Conclusion and Challenge
The team's collaborative effort was pivotal in achieving the project's goals to address the lack of accessibility features. The project demonstrated the importance of teamwork, with each member playing a crucial role in their area of proficiency, dividing tasks yet consolidating research results to generate cohesive solutions.
One primary challenge faced was the difficulty in conducting research and evaluation on target users due to ethical constraints. Consequently, the team primarily relied on secondary research sources and design guidelines, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), to guide their design and evaluation processes.