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City project develops 3D tactile intersection maps to help blind and low‑vision pedestrians
Summary
City staff and consultants presented prototypes of 3D tactile intersection maps and an accessible digital portal designed to help people who are blind or have low vision plan and practice routes. The team plans five final prototypes and additional testing with users before implementing distribution strategies.
City of Bend staff and consultants presented prototype 3D tactile intersection maps at the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting May 28, describing a new tool intended to help people who are blind or have low vision form a mental image of complex intersections before they travel.
The project — developed by the city with Kilson Associates and product designer Timothy (last name provided in meeting) — combines a tactile physical model with an accessible digital portal. The team envisions a small library of tactile maps covering five intersection types (single‑lane roundabout, multi‑lane roundabout, protected signalized intersection, skewed intersection, and a midblock crossing). Users could check maps out or request delivery so they can explore intersections in a quiet setting prior to navigating them in public.
Scott Barrett (traffic engineer with Kilson Associates) explained the project’s origin, saying it grew from a roundabout accessibility training and local focus groups. "One of the outcomes from that panel discussion was... a statement that Charlene made that she had a really hard time even envisioning roundabouts, what roundabouts look like and how to navigate them," Barrett said, describing the motivation to build tactile tools.
Product designer Timothy described design priorities: simplify information and emphasize edges users rely on when navigating with a cane or guide dog. He explained the maps use a pedestrian‑first language and sweeping tactile lines to mirror cane sweeps and guide‑dog paths, and each physical model would link to digital content via an embedded NFC tag or accessible portal.
The team reported two focus groups with blind and low‑vision participants. Key learnings included reducing line width for tactile clarity, avoiding information overload, adding critical cues (such as truncated dome locations and key street names), and balancing the cost of customized intersection models with the need for useful specificity. "Less is more," the project team summarized from user testing.
Distribution and storage options discussed included library checkout, holding the kits at city hall or the library, or delivering models to users; the team said placing models at intersections on pedestals was not ideal because users may not know where to find them ahead of travel. Project staff said they expect to complete refinements and produce the five final models over the next six months and continue user testing.
Next steps: refine prototypes per focus-group feedback, finalize the fifth intersection type (likely a midblock crossing), and develop an implementation plan to integrate tactile models into city processes and community education, including potential partnerships with orientation and mobility specialists and local disability‑serving organizations.
