The design and initial evaluation of visual cues in carpets to assist walking

Prior research has shown that carpets assist walking thereby reducing the incidence and injury severity of falls, and that visual cues can assist walking. However, little attention has been given to the ability of visual cues in carpets to assist walking. Design guidelines were developed for the colouring and patterning of carpet to provide visual cues to assist walking. The guidelines took into account age-related visual impairments, and were applied in the preparation of a carpet. The designed carpet was compared with two carpets of standard designs in an impaired walking trial. The trial subjects reported a significant preference for walking on the designed carpet, suggesting that appropriate design of carpets can increase their contribution to the well-being of older people and others with impaired walking.