Inclusive design for recycling facilities : public participation equity for the visually impaired

Abstract

Researchers and designers are increasingly advocating wider and fairer participation in recycling. However, many people are still excluded from this meaningful social participation. For example, visually impaired persons (VIPs) still face many barriers to participating in recycling independently. Since 2015, a series of studies has been conducted to explore the possibility of VIPs participating in recycling. Through a case study of designing recycling facilities for VIPs, this paper explores and discusses the difficulties and limitations that the visually impaired experience in participating in recycling, despite technological advancements that claim to help people with disabilities. It also identifies some directions for researchers and designers for future studies and professional practice.