The guidance block functions as a visual guide to clearly show a safe walking route not only for the blind but also for the person with poor eyesight.It is said that yellow is desirable as the color, but bright yellow has high visibility, but it is difficult to harmonize with the landscape, so there were cases where installation could be avoided.

　Therefore, this research group prototyped various sample blocks with different vividness, brightness, and color of yellow.A comparative evaluation was conducted by a total of about 100 people with low eyesight and about 50 people with general visual acuity, while changing the environment and conditions and observing the effects of changes over time.

　The two colors that received high praise were cool yellow, which was slightly closer to the yellow-green side, and warm yellow, which was slightly closer to the orange side.The blocks of these colors showed almost the same visibility as the conventional dark yellow blocks, even though they were pale shades that were easy to match with the landscape.

　In addition, the research group prototyped a block with a new shape with rounded and flat parts on the protrusions.It received high praise from wheelchair and stroller users with little adverse effect on people with poor eyesight or blind people.These blocks are said to improve convenience for many people, such as being less likely to trip for ordinary pedestrians and allowing smooth passage for travelers pulling carry bags and pushing trolleys carrying luggage.

　The guidance block researched and developed this time is compatible with most construction methods used for outdoor laying.It will be released by each company from next spring to popularize universal design.

　The Braille block (block for guiding the visually impaired) was devised by Seiichi Miyake and started in 1967 in Okayama prefecture. An international standard was established based on JIS in 2012, and is currently spreading all over the world.