Braille Signs and Tactile Signage for Accessible Buildings

What makes a sign tactile

• Raised text that can be traced with a fingertip, in a clear, simple typeface.
• Raised pictograms for common destinations such as toilets, lifts and stairs.
• Braille, usually placed below the raised text.
• Strong contrast between the text and the background, and between the sign and the wall.
• A matt, non-reflective surface to reduce glare.

Where tactile signs are used

Tactile signs are most useful where someone needs to confirm they are in the right place: room and door signs, toilets, lifts, stair cores, reception desks and key junctions. They work alongside other accessibility measures, such as clear routes, good lighting and audible information, rather than replacing them. In larger buildings, a tactile floor plan or directory near the entrance can help people understand the layout before moving through it.

Mounting height and position

A tactile sign is only useful if people can find it. Signs are generally placed at a consistent height within easy reach, beside the door on the latch side rather than on the door itself, so a reader does not have the door opened into them. Keeping the same height and position for every sign in a building means people learn where to reach. Your access consultant or the guidance your organisation follows should confirm exact heights; we work to the specification you give us.

Accessible design for everyone

Good tactile signs are also easier for sighted visitors to read. Simple wording, consistent pictograms and strong contrast benefit older visitors, people with learning disabilities and anyone unfamiliar with the building. We keep wording short and use the same naming throughout, so the sign on a door matches the name on the directory and the floor plan.

Our accessible and tactile signage guide explains these principles in more depth.

Materials and durability

Tactile signs are touched often, so raised elements need to be firmly bonded and smooth to the touch, with no sharp edges. Acrylic is the most common base, available in a wide range of contrasting colours, and metal-faced options suit premium interiors. Signs in healthcare and schools can be specified with surfaces that tolerate regular cleaning.

Part of a complete door sign scheme

Tactile signs can be ordered as part of a full set of door and room signs, so every sign in the building shares the same style. Free design with photo-realistic mock-ups lets you see the finished signs before they are made.

Planning a tactile scheme

Start with a list of every room and destination people need to find, and agree one name for each, so the wording on doors, directories and maps all matches. An access audit, if you have one, will often highlight the most important points. We then lay out a schedule showing each sign, its wording, pictogram and position, which makes approval simple and keeps future additions consistent.

Braille and Tactile Signs: Questions and Answers

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