Page 236 - Dubai Universal Design Code

14.3. General aspects

Considering the diversity of the population visual, acoustic and tactile references shall
be used to guide a person to avoid risks and to reduce confusion.

Signs with texts and symbols, visual references, tactile information like high-embossed
characters or Braille text are the elements that shall be used.

Although technological means like smartphone Apps can be a very valuable tool to
assist in the wayfinding process, these are not described in this Code.

The elements to be used to assist a person in the wayfinding process shall guarantee
that:

1. Every person, even a person with low vision, can easily identify in which part of
the city or building they are in at a concrete moment, without walking more than
70 meters in open spaces and 30 meters inside buildings.

2. All park entrances shall display the main facilities in a visual and tactile map.

3. All business and administration buildings shall display the name of the building in
the façade and a provide a directory in the hall listing the companies or services
contained in the facility.

4. In buildings, orientation signs to the exit, toilet and other services shall be present
at any corridor intersection at every 30 meters.

5. All door frames shall provide information about the service provided in the space.

From a design point of view, the following general design requirements shall be taken
into account:

1. Avoid visual clutter due to inappropriately designed or located signage and other
elements in the environment.

2. Communicate the environment’s identity clearly and consistently through the
design of graphic elements to increase the users’ recognition and sense of
confidence in the signage system during navigation.

3. Signage information on a sign should be kept to the minimum and organised with
hierarchy, without duplication. Complex information should be broken down,
beginning with general information and moving towards more specific
information.

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