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Warning: Our public park map is failing colorblind visitors
Last week, I tried to use the new park map with my neighbor. It uses colored lines for trails, but I can't see the difference between the red and green ones. When my neighbor showed me the picnic area, I assumed it was the restroom path. We almost walked into a private event because of this. Other people with color vision issues have said they avoid the map now. This makes community outings harder for us. Designers should add symbols or text labels next to colors. If you make public signs, check them with colorblind folks before using them.
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the_thea7mo ago
Something I never see talked about is how color-only cues mess with group dynamics. Like, if a hiking group splits up, the colorblind person might take the wrong trail and get separated. It turns a fun day out into a stressful search party situation. Designers forget that maps are social tools, not just graphics. Adding patterns or icons would keep everyone on the same page, literally.
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uma8967mo ago
Ugh, I've taken wrong turns so many times because of that.
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lilyrodriguez7mo ago
It's like those public bathrooms with just pictures on the doors. I've seen people hesitate, trying to figure out if it's a man in a dress or a woman with short hair. Or those wires you have to plug in by color alone. It assumes everyone sees the world the same way. It's lazy design that makes simple things harder for a lot of people.
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