Trial run at Infocus college, Exeter
Sensei's Tactile Surfaces: A Transformative Trial at InFocus College
25th April- 25th May’23
At Sensei, our mission is to create accessible environments that empower individuals with vision impairments to navigate spaces independently. Recently, we had the opportunity to trial our tactile surfaces at InFocus College in Exeter. This trial was a crucial step in demonstrating the real-world impact of our wayfinding solutions. Below, we break down the key aspects of this successful collaboration.
The primary goal of this trial was to test the effectiveness of our tactile surfaces in a real-world setting, specifically within an educational environment that supports students with complex disabilities. We wanted to see how our solution would perform in helping students with vision impairments navigate independently and confidently. By conducting this trial, we aimed to gather valuable feedback to refine our products and better meet the needs of our users.
About InFocus College, Exeter
InFocus College, a leading institution for students with complex disabilities, presented a unique opportunity for us to demonstrate the potential of our tactile surfaces. The college's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its students made it an ideal partner for this trial. InFocus College currently employs a variety of wayfinding solutions, including guiding rails and braille markers, to help students orient themselves. However, the staff recognized the advantage of Sensei’s standardized approach, which could simplify navigation across different areas of the campus.
A staff member explained, "With Sensei, students don’t have to remember different landmarks or markers—they can rely on a consistent system that reassures them they’re in the right place." This was particularly important for students who might struggle with recalling multiple wayfinding cues in different areas.
Moreover, the tactile surfaces were especially appreciated for their accessibility to students with complex needs who may struggle with digital wayfinding solutions or have tactile aversions to rough materials. The soft yet firm texture of the panels was a perfect balance, making them intuitive to use and comfortable to touch.
How We Did It
For this trial, we focused on one of the main corridors at InFocus College—a critical area where students frequently move between classrooms and communal spaces. We installed our tactile surfaces specifically designed for corridors along the walls, ensuring a consistent and reliable guide for students with vision impairments.
The Procedure
The installation process was straightforward and efficient. The tactile surfaces were carefully affixed along the corridor walls, with each surface designed to provide tactile cues that would help students orient themselves and navigate the space independently. The installation took less than an hour, and the surfaces remained in place for a month, allowing students ample time to interact with and adapt to the new wayfinding system.
Throughout the trial period, students used the tactile surfaces daily as part of their routine. At the end of the month, we returned to collect feedback from both students and staff, eager to hear about their experiences with our product.
The Feedback
The feedback from the trial was overwhelmingly positive. Both staff and students at InFocus College were impressed with how well the tactile surfaces were received and how effectively they enhanced navigation within the corridor. One staff member noted, "I was impressed by how much engagement we had from both staff and students. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive."
Students reported feeling more confident and independent as they navigated the corridor using the tactile surfaces. The consistency of the tactile cues helped them feel reassured that they were on the right path, reducing the anxiety often associated with navigating unfamiliar spaces.
The staff also highlighted the durability of the surfaces, noting that they adhered well to the walls and withstood daily use without significant wear or tear. The texture of the panels was particularly appreciated, being soft to the touch yet firm enough to remain securely in place.
Want to conduct a trail run?
The success of this trial at InFocus College underscores the potential of Sensei's tactile surfaces to transform navigation for individuals with vision impairments. We are eager to collaborate with other schools, colleges, and institutions to further demonstrate the impact of our solutions.
If you are interested in conducting a trial run of Sensei's tactile surfaces at your institution, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about how our wayfinding solutions can enhance accessibility and independence in your environment.
