WHAT IF ALL SIGNS WERE DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE TO READ?
I get where you're coming from with the budget constraints, but honestly, I think sometimes we underestimate how much the “extra” features actually matter in the long run. On a recent mixed-use project, we tried to save by skipping tactile signage in some common areas, figuring high-contrast and bigger fonts would cover most folks. But after opening, we got a surprising amount of feedback from people who felt left out—especially those with low vision or who don’t read English as a first language.
It ended up costing more to retrofit than if we’d just done it right the first time. I know every dollar counts, but I’ve started to see some of those upfront costs as insurance against headaches (and complaints) down the road. Plus, pictograms and simple icons aren’t always that pricey if you plan for them early. Sometimes it’s just about pushing back a little on what gets cut, even if it means shaving off something less critical elsewhere. It’s tough, but I guess I’m more in the “do it once, do it right” camp these days...
WHAT IF ALL SIGNS WERE DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE TO READ?
I hear you, but I’ll admit I’m still a bit skeptical about how much difference some of these features make in practice. On one project, we went all-in with tactile, braille, icons, the works—looked great on paper, but honestly, barely anyone seemed to use the braille. That said, we did get a lot fewer complaints overall, and the pictograms definitely helped folks who didn’t speak English. I guess it’s one of those things where you don’t notice the benefit until it’s missing... but man, those upfront costs are always a tough sell to clients.
WHAT IF ALL SIGNS WERE DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE TO READ?
but man, those upfront costs are always a tough sell to clients.
Tell me about it. I remember getting the quote for a full set of “universal” signs for our office remodel and nearly falling out of my chair. Sure, the icons and braille looked sharp, but I kept thinking—how many people actually need all this? At the same time, the one time we skipped braille, someone called us out on it within a week. It’s one of those things where you don’t realize who’s missing out until you try to cut corners. Still, that price tag stings every time.
WHAT IF ALL SIGNS WERE DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE TO READ?
That initial sticker shock is real. I’ve had the same reaction pricing out accessible signage for a couple of projects. It’s easy to wonder if it’s overkill, especially when you’re not seeing the need every day. But then, like you said, the one time you skip it, someone notices right away. Guess it’s one of those things where the value’s not obvious until it really matters. I try to think of it as a long-term investment—maybe not just for compliance, but for actually making spaces usable for everyone. Still, those invoices are hard to swallow...
WHAT IF ALL SIGNS WERE DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE TO READ?
That upfront cost is tough, no doubt. But I keep coming back to the idea that universal design isn’t just about ticking boxes for compliance—it’s about future-proofing spaces. When you factor in renovations or retrofits down the line, it often ends up costing more to fix inaccessible signage than to do it right from the start. Plus, there’s a sustainability angle: standardized, accessible signs can be reused or repurposed more easily if layouts change. It’s not always easy to justify on paper, but in practice, it pays off in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance.
