July 04, 2010

A Map of the London Underground for Colourblind People.

Download the Latest Version Here Updated 7th July 2010

It’s often bugged me, on visits to London. What is a straightforward glimpse at a map for most travellers there, is a nightmare of trying to separate similar colours for me, and every other colourblind underground user.

I’ve blogged about this before, here, and this time I’ve decided to do something about it.

I took the Underground map, and added some additional symbols so that a colourblind person like me can follow the lines, literally.

I’d be very happy if anyone could feedback on this, as it took a very long time to do.

Please, if you can, feedback on: ease of download, errors and/or omissions, the symbols themselves – do they help (especially if you’re colourblind)?, or anything else you feel is relevant.

Regarding the symbols – some might seem it odd that they are coloured – but a lot of consideration went into which colours, how many symbols etc. went onto each line. They all had to be markedly different from each other, easy to describe, and above all, easy to follow with a colourblind eye. I ‘think’ I’ve achieved that, after many ‘back to the drawing board’ moments when a symbol didn’t work, or was too similar to another.

One other note – this map isn’t an aid for those that are sight-impaired, other than colourblindness.

I hope it is of some use to people, and please, feel free to pass it on.

7 comments:

  1. Nice work, but TFL already have a black-and-white map:-

    http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/14091.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  2. The black and white map is still little difficult to follow I find - a little messy/samey - the coloured is easily better and easier, it's just that the colours, some of them, are too similar for us colorblind users.

    Thanks for the comment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excelent idea.
    I arrive to London a month ago and one of the most dificult thigs was to recognise the difference between Bakerloo line from Central.
    With you map is so easy. You should show it to the authorities.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you it looks just right for me
    Mike Fitton

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks very much for the map...it is excellent. I always found the underground map indecipherable, and your map is miles better than the black and white version. TFL should make you an offer!
    Sincere thanks,
    David

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you so much, you have just made a nightmare trip to London a lot easier. Genius.

    ReplyDelete