1. Dr Gayle J. Booth Head of marketing and research

2. Introduction
Existing research maintained traditional signage was not meeting the needs of people with disabilities
Social model of disability (Barnes, 2005)
One year developing the design
Bridging academia and industry
Qualitative research that consulted with 8 managers of care homes who had installed pictorial signage
This presentation reveals preliminary findings in terms of,
service users,
staff
and family and friends
Conclude the need for more research in this area and advocate the effectiveness not only in care settings but also in public spaces

3. Environment Mainstream environments are designed for
able bodied people (Barnes, 2005)
Mainstream environments tend to use pale
colours that render surfaces indistinguishable
(Pool, (2007)
People with high levels of visual impairment
will require design features to negotiate the
environment (Department of Health, 2003)
How could pictorial signage improve the
environment?

4. Door furniture Bright primary colours provide contrast
Door Cal
Immediate theme to corridor
Bright primary colours provide contrast
to uniform corridors
Kick plates and door handles
Kick Plate

5. 3D image of the destination on question provides further clues negating difficulties associated with the cognitive impairments often associated with dementia.

6. Qualitative findings Improved wayfinding and orientation
Reduced ‘accidents’
Reduced behaviour we find challenging
Improved sociality
Increased positive interaction between service user and staff
Family and friends noticed a calmer atmosphere

7. Qualitative findings
Non verbal service users can point at the sign to indicate they need the toilet
“Very positive. The signs have assisted with changes that have freed time spent cleaning up or escorting to the toilet. It has put a positive spin on their workloads. They can enjoy time with service users and see them laugh”
13% of service users lost weight over a 3 month period. Following the introduction of the signs that was reduced to 3%

8. Qualitative findings Emerging themes Continence Aggression Rates
Use of Sedation
Weight Loss
Food
Repetitive behaviour

9. Conclusion
Qualitative research therefore findings can not be generalised
Reduction in accidents (incontinence)
Reduced use of sedation
Improved orientation and way finding
Lower anxiety
Improved sociality and interactions among service users and between staff
Environment a much nicer place to be
Encouraging results provided impetus for a larger cross country comparison
Useful in public spaces