IH02-JoshuaFunamura

From IEOR 170 Spring 2007

1 Problem Description
2 Target User Group
3 Problem Context and Forces
4 Possible Solutions
5 References

[edit] Problem Description

Plastic mats on sidewalk curb cutouts are dangerous slipping hazards for pedestrians during rainy weather. Even when dry, the mats are more slippery than normal concrete. Furthermore, the installation and cost of retrofitting existing curb ramps is high when and the mats only serve a single purpose, to assist the visually impaired pedestrians with identifying crosswalks.

[edit] Target User Group

My target group would be all pedestrians in a city environment with sidewalks. As a significant sidewalk feature, most pedestrians will walk over the plastic mat, and thus require it to be a stable walking surface. For visually impaired pedestrians, the function would need to remain, but sighted pedestrians could benefit from a design enhancement. Visiting pedestrians, especially, could be aided in city navigation and orientation by an enhanced mat design. Other enhanced designs could contribute to greater walking efficiency and experience, and would apply to all pedestrians.

[edit] Problem Context and Forces

The truncated dome plastic mats installed on city curb cutouts serve to alert visually impaired pedestrians of crosswalks as a "detectable warning surface." They have been federally mandated as part of the American Disabilities Act, and are actively being installed in cities and campuses, including in the City of Berkeley and UC Berkeley. The current design specifies the truncated domes be in a square grid pattern, with strict diameter and spacing ranges. The colors, usually black or yellow, are intended to stand out from the surrounding pavement color.

Unlike the curb cut-out mandate of the Rehabilitation Act, which benefits not only the disabled, but also people with strollers, carts, and rolling suitcases, the mats serve no use to sighted pedestrians. Increased value can justify the high cost of material and installation. However, the regulations of the ADA limit the design of the mats so the main features must be maintained, such as keeping the truncated dome features and color contrast.

[edit] Possible Solutions

To address the two main issues, I propose the following ideas:

A concrete or similarly-textured durable coating for the mats to reduce slipping, while retaining the colors
Additional information to make the mats more valuable to sighted pedestrians