Improving the visually impaired tourists' experience in Helsinki
Humaljoki, Tuisku (2019)
2019
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019112923396
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019112923396
Tiivistelmä
This Bachelor’s Thesis is about accessibility in travel destinations from the perspective of visually impaired tourists. It has two core sections; theory and research which are used to map out different ways in which Helsinki as a destination could improve the travel experience for visually impaired tourists.
The focus point is the pedestrian perspective. The theory is about what part senses play in the travelling experience and how they can be used to enhance said experiences, how to aid the visual reception in a built environment, and the current state of accessibility in Helsinki. The thesis also includes benchmarking of other destinations' best practices regarding accessibility and enhancing the travel experience with sensation-based experiences.
The study was conducted using a qualitative research method. Observation tours with visually impaired participant as well as interviews were conducted face to face and by email utilised during the research. Additionally, the researcher observed navigation, safety and access to information. The research took place within a two-week period in the autumn of 2019. The research results were analysed through three themes: Accessibility, safety and senses.
As conclusion, different ways to improve accessibility are recommended based on the previously covered theory, benchmarking and research. These methods include for instance the use of tangible materials, guide strips and paving, audible information, awareness and training as well as colour and light contrasts. The thesis’ goal is to encourage and offer ideas to cities on how their accessibility for the visually impaired can be improved. Based on the gathered information, it was noted that all the themes are connected and at times are each other’s causes.
The focus point is the pedestrian perspective. The theory is about what part senses play in the travelling experience and how they can be used to enhance said experiences, how to aid the visual reception in a built environment, and the current state of accessibility in Helsinki. The thesis also includes benchmarking of other destinations' best practices regarding accessibility and enhancing the travel experience with sensation-based experiences.
The study was conducted using a qualitative research method. Observation tours with visually impaired participant as well as interviews were conducted face to face and by email utilised during the research. Additionally, the researcher observed navigation, safety and access to information. The research took place within a two-week period in the autumn of 2019. The research results were analysed through three themes: Accessibility, safety and senses.
As conclusion, different ways to improve accessibility are recommended based on the previously covered theory, benchmarking and research. These methods include for instance the use of tangible materials, guide strips and paving, audible information, awareness and training as well as colour and light contrasts. The thesis’ goal is to encourage and offer ideas to cities on how their accessibility for the visually impaired can be improved. Based on the gathered information, it was noted that all the themes are connected and at times are each other’s causes.