Full Version: ADA symbols & X3
From: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#4]
27 Mar 2007
To: BrianC (INKSQUIRTER) [#1] 27 Mar 2007
Brian,
I think you should reconsider which method you use for manufacturing your raised graphics. Sure lots of people use lasers to make these and it is quicker than a mechanical engraver, but from the perspective of the intended user, the mechanical engraver makes a superior product. This point could be made much more eloquently by some of the major players in this industry like Sharon Toji or Reuven Rahamin (my apologies for probable spelling errors on their names). The research conducted for preparing the latest ADAAG found that tactile readers greatly preferred letters with a wide beveled edge and a narrow peak. So using a cutter that creates a wider bevel than a typical plastic engraving cutter is preferable. Now the question for sign manufacturers is do they want to produce a product that just meets the minimum requirements of the ADA, or do they really care about making a product that while still appealing to sighted users is also optimal for visually impaired users. If you can convey to your customers that you are not only very knowledgeable about all the applicable building codes and sign requirements, but that you also care very deeply about making the best possible product for all the intended users, I bet you could gain some very loyal customers that provide you with a lot of great referrals. Also, from a strictly practical point of view, the beveled edge makes it a little more difficult for vandals to pick the letters off the signs.
On a totally unrelated note, I really enjoyed the photos you put online. My favorite was the shot of the rigging on a sailing ship with the shoreline in the background.
Jim
From: BrianC (INKSQUIRTER) [#5]
27 Mar 2007
To: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#4] 27 Mar 2007
I prefer the beveled edge derived from rotary cutting.....just tired of all the cleanup.....I suppose if I did ADA all the time I would become much more proficient at it.....
Thanks for the photo comments...