Tactile Tiles Are Slippery When Wet

In different phases of a product’s life cycle, different techniques convey and communicate ideas to those who participate in the cycle. I believe that at the conceptual phase, when the idea of a product is conceived, there must not be too many restrictions, and the creator must have an open mind – an open unrestricted mind that can have some fun and allow thoughts to wander “out of the box’ so to speak. In the design and implementation phase, a more serious mindset would be required so that all the angles are covered thoroughly. However, the issue must be addressed based on accurate information before conceptualising a solution.

Currently, the visually handicapped are guided in their walks by tactile tiles placed in street junctions. This is the adoption of a system that is well-applied in Japan.

Singapore, however, has a very humid climate, and it takes a long time for tiles to dry. Besides the higher humidity in our tropical conditions, we experience many rainy days, which means that the tactile ties in Singapore are more likely to be wet and remain wet for much longer than in subtropical or temperate countries. This makes them remain slippery for more extended periods.

With a sound Wi-Fi system that covers the whole country, Singapore is well-placed to explore Wi-Fi applications to help the visually handicapped. Several such applications are already available to help visually impaired people with navigation, accessibility, and communication and are being applied in several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. Here are some such Apps I found on the Internet.

1. Seeing AI
2. Be My Eyes
3. Aira
4. Seeing Assistant Home
5.WeWALK
6. Soundscape
7. Blind Square
8. Voice Dream Reader
9.GoodMaps Explore
10. Super Lidar

I would highly recommend that our association for the Visually handicapped work closely with the Polytechnics, ITE and the universities to come up with solutions that can adapt and improve existing WIFI Apps and, where appropriate, develop new solutions suitable for Singapore. Hopefully, this will allow the association for the visually handicapped and our BCA to reduce the installation of tactile tiles all over Singapore. In the process, many Singapore residents and visitors will face fewer hazards. One of the beneficiaries would be elderly Singaporeans who have less of these tiles to avoid when they go out for walks, especially when the ground is wet.

Such reports are likely to be embellished to draw readers and the viewers’ attention to the need to be careful when stepping on the wet tile. These reports may, however, not receive the appropriate response from those who can remedy the situation.

For a solution to be conceived and implemented, there is a need for a more accurate collection of data on falls. This could include data on who has fallen and under what weather conditions. Only then can different possible solutions be conceived and implemented.

Appendix: A male Olive-backed Sunbird on a “Costus” Ginger Plant.

Our world is full of deception, and sometimes, the desire to attract attention is overpowering and clouded by fake news, propaganda, or simply sensationalising facts. Such sensational or fake news can be intentionally deceptive or expressed in a fun way to convey a point. Let me illustrate.

If I wanted to tell a story, I could say that the sunbird slipped on a wet leaf and fell on its belly with its wings all spread out. Bird watchers encounter such sights quite often. They know that birds must keep their feathers in pristine conditions to fly, so they spend so much time preening them. They wet their feathers to clean them so that they can fly better.

Birds can fly, so they are unlikely to fall when walking on a slippery surface, and if they do fall, they are well insulated and protected by their feathers, which can cushion their fall.

Embellishing or exaggerating facts can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities to respond appropriately. Therefore, it should not be encouraged unless it is just for fun.