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27 March 2019

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2019

SensiLab researchers have created inclusive maps for this year's show to allow greater access for those who are blind or have low vision

The theme of the 2019 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is ‘Immerse Your Senses’. Inspired by this, SensiLab researchers have created an accessible map of the Show with 3D-printed icons, along with smaller maps of the Rob Waddell Show Garden and Guide Dog Victoria’s sensory garden.

These maps also form part of a 3 year project investigating the use of 3D printing for the creation of accessible graphics. Are 3D printed maps easier to understand than raised line maps? Do they assist in forming a mental map of the area? What heights, textures and symbols work best on 3D printed maps? This work aims to inform future standards and practices in orientation and mobility training and accessible formats production.

You can find the large map at site B47, near the Victoria Street entrance, where the researchers will be gathering feedback from users.

This project is funded by the Australian Research Council and is being conducted by Monash University in partnership with Guide Dogs Victoria, the Department of Education and Training Victoria, Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc., Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, and Royal Society for the Blind.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will take place at the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Carlton Gardens, Melbourne from Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 March 2019. More information and tickets on the show’s website.