Designers Perspective: Colour as a catalyst for improving accessibility

The aims of this study were to identify problems with current information provision to elderly users when using public transport and to find suggestions for improvement from a designers' point (with particular emphasis on accessibility). To explore the accessibility of information, an exploratory approach was primarily used. First, structured participant observations were used to examine barriers in relation to public transport information use by elderly people, as user research is an essential condition of good information design. Second, qualitative email interviews with design experts were undertaken to investigate various alternative design features to enhance information readability by using their special knowledge and adopting basic design elements. Finally, problems about information provision from the perspective of both older people and design professionals were identified. Various design features to enhance the effectiveness of information presentation; however, the importance of colour scheme was found to be fundamental a vitally significant factor.