Tactile Guiding Surfaces

What you need to know about tactile flooring

Tactile guidance paths – detectable walking routes that help people with visual impairments navigate safely and independently – may seem complex, but they don't have to be. The basic principle is simple: wherever sighted people rely on visual cues for wayfinding, an equivalent tactile solution should be provided. In this guide, we explain the basics of where tactile guidance paths are required, what the legislation says, and how to apply these requirements in practice.

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LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Accessibility reqirements vary between countries, but the principle is the same: public buildings and spaces should be accessible and usable for everyone. Tactile guidance paths help people with visual impairments navigate safely and independently. They are used where there are no natural wayfinding cues, such as walls, fences or kerbs, providing a clear tactile route through public spaces and buildings.

Tactile guidance paths are commonly used in environments such as hospitals, universities, government buildings, transport hubs, and commercial public spaces, including shopping centres and retail stores, where they help people with visual impairments navigate independently. ställer krav på tillgänglighet och orienteringsbarhet både vid nybyggnation och större ombyggnationer. Miljöer där ledstråk behövs är exempelvis sjukhus, högskolor, myndigheter och stationer, samt kommersiella publika lokaler såsom köpcentrum och butiker, där personer med synnedsättning behöver kunna orientera sig självständigt.

In addition to laws and regulations, guiding principles have been develped, rekommendationer, till exempel Svensk Handels guide ”like the Swedish "Boutique for everyone"that offers guidance and practical tips on how to create a more accessible and inclusive customer experience.

LOCATION & DIMENSIONS OF TACTILE PATHS AND WARNING SURFACES

VISUAL CONTRASTS
In addition to being clearly detectable with a cane and underfoot, they should also have visuell kontrasta visual contrast with the surrounding surface, ensuring they also provide guidance for people with low vision and others who have difficulty with orientation.

According to current standards, the contrast should be at least 0.4 NCS (Natural Colour System) or 30-40 points LRV (light reflectance value).

This provides insufficient contrast with the surrounding surface.,
This creates a clear visual contrast.

DIFFERENT TYPES
Tactile guidance paths can be installed on a wide range of surfaces or integrated directly into entrance matting. With a broad selection of materials and finishes, Matting offers solutions that meet current accessibility requirements while complementing the architecture and design of the surrounding environment. Browse our range of tactile guidance paths and indicators.

Bars & studs

What you need to know about tactile flooring

In brass or stainless steel. For increased contrast, also with TPU inserts in black or white.

Slip-resistant & wheelchair-friendly. High contrast. Available in rubber, acrylic, or aluminium.

Tactile guidance integrated directly into the entrance mat. A seamless solution for entrances.

Studs & rubber tiles.

Markings for floors and stairways.

Two-tone markings for maximum contrast.