Designing carpets for our future selves

What is it about?

We developed guidelines for the design of carpets to enhance walking and reduce falls. We formulated colouring and patterning that provide visual cues for walking. Our design guidelines take into account age-related visual impairments. Subjects reported a strong preference for designed carpet in a walking trial. Appropriate design increases carpet’s contribution to the wellbeing of the elderly.

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Why is it important?

This is the first reported attempt to develop design guidelines for carpets to assist walking, and to test their effectiveness in walking trials. The practical implication of this study is that carpets can be designed with colours and patterning that provides cues that assist walking. Thereby, they contribute to reducing the incidence of falls in the indoor environment. These findings can be applied by designers, architects and facilities managers, and will contribute to the wellbeing of older persons and those with vision and walking impairments.