Google Maps Helps Colorblind See Traffic

I ran across an article from a couple years ago on the Search Engine Roundtable website.  Google Maps traffic indicators were initially difficult to see for color deficient users (especially those with a red/green color deficiency, the most common type).  Here is a shot of the change they made:

See the full article here.  What do you think?  Is it enough of a change for your eyes?  Do you have other suggestions?

Guest Post: Color Correction System

See guest post below.  I have not reviewed this system and don't know much about it, but I see it as potentially of interest to readers.  Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Brian

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Color blindness occurs in individuals when the cones in the eyes have problems differentiating between colors. The condition affects approximately 1 in 10 men and very few women. Those with color blindness don’t have to suffer with the condition for life. It is possible to see colors using the ColorCorrection System developed by Dr. Thomas Azman. If you are unsure of whether or not you experience colorblindness at a slight or moderate level, you can check using the free colorblindness text located at www.colormax.org.

The system includes filters and tests that are only available at the Azman Eye Care Specialists near Baltimore, MD. Since the procedure is limited in availability, it isn’t uncommon for Dr. Azman to travel all over the world to give people the opportunity to have a completely different view of the world. Many people also travel to see him to receive treatment using his ColorCorrection System.

Before you can receive treatment using the ColorCorrection System you need to have an evaluation and exam which can take anywhere from four to six hours. The process is done in a single visit. Dr. Azman looks at the information gathered during your exam, and he designs filters that are meant to be worn as corrective or contact lenses. These modify the way color goes into your eyes and allows you to see the world in color.


Colorblindness can be a hindrance for working in certain fields for safety reasons. These careers include railroad engineers, military, pilots, those working with color coded wires for electricity and firefighters. Dr. Azman’s ColorCorrection System makes it possible to the pass the Ishihara Color Blind Test, which is required to become employed in many of these occupations.

Let There Be Light: Colorblind-Friendly Traffic Signal

According to a recent news report from the Mainichi Daily News, a university professor in Japan has developed prototype traffic signal LEDs that enable persons with red-green colorblindness to distinguish between red and yellow indications. Field tests are underway at several locations, including Fukuoka and Tokyo.

As seen in the photo, the red indication will include an "X" that doesn't show up predominantly to users with regular vision when they get close to the signal, but is easily distinguishable by red-green colorblind drivers.

We've discussed traffic signals quite a bit on Grey Means Go, including this recent post about a prototype for different-shaped traffic signals, and some actual installations of innovative treatments in Kentucky.

What do you think of the "X" red light in Japan? Helpful without distracting other drivers? Any concerns?

no such thing as color

Thanks to Daniel at Colblindor for sharing this new film. See his original blog post here.

Laura Evans has captured the experience of a color deficient person in her first short film entitled "No Such Thing as Color." The 9-minute documentary discusses the story of Evans Forde, whose colorblindness was mistaken for emotional disorder in Kindergarten.

Though not directly transportation related, it's a well-done piece on the daily struggles of the colorblind.

(For those viewing on non-Flash devices, you can link to the video here.)

Colorblind Train Driver Fired

Thanks to myrtone for sharing this article from Scotland.

Apparently a 36-year veteran of DB Schenker was fired from his job as a train operator due to a color deficiency. According to the article, he had barely passed color-related tests in the past, but this time the results were not acceptable for this safety sensitive position.

See the full article here.

What do you think?

Universal Traffic Signal for Colorblind Drivers

Last year we discussed a solution in Nova Scotia that aided colorblind drivers with Shaped Signal Heads (square, diamond, circle). I recently ran across various blog posts about another shaped traffic signal.

The UNISignal, which at this point seems to be only a concept, is currently designed to use a Triangle (Red), Circle (Amber/Yellow), and Square (Green) to add information to the signal for those of us with color deficiencies.

It seems like a pretty decent idea, and it could be especially helpful for those pesky horizontally-installed signals (I'm looking at you, Texas). However, I'm not sure about the symbols themselves. It seems that the triangle might be a better fit for the green indication (as it seems to be pointing up).

The official site, www.unisignal.com, is apparently only a placeholder. We'll have to wait to find out if the UNISignal has legs.

So what do you think? Is it time for shaped signal heads? Is it the answer? Is it solving a real problem, or just a perception?

GMG - Greetings from Seattle!

After a few months of packing, selling, moving, buying, and unpacking, Grey Means Go has settled on the West Coast.

Look for content updates in the near future from the new GMG headquarters in Seattle, Washington.