#16: Light-Up Tactile Pavement
Tactile pavement was invented in 1965 by Japanese inventor Seiichi Miyake. It features raised bumps and lines to help visually impaired pedestrians navigate a city safely. Since its first introduction in Okayama City a few years later, tactile pavement has become a widespread practice. Now, the city of Melbourne, Australia, is updating its tactile pavement for the modern age.
Designers have installed LED lights into the tactile pavement of crosswalks. The pavement is red when pedestrians have to wait and green when it is safe to cross. Designers added these lights as a way to adapt to pedestrians constantly looking down at their phones. Instead of trying to fight change, they’re trying to work with it. Obviously, everyone should look up and pay attention when crossing the street, but this is a good precaution.