Yellow Brick Road: Paving the McDonald's Way for All

Yellow Brick Road: Paving the McDonald's Way for All

Yellow Brick Road: Paving the McDonald's Way for All

Putting Myself in Other Shoes

After wandering through Sydney and examining various objects, my mind lingered on the tactile and braille street signs that assist pedestrians with low vision in navigating the city.

The digital kiosks at McDonald's also occupied my thoughts, and I pondered how individuals with no vision or low vision manage to place orders.


I was aware of the accessibility options on the digital kiosks, such as font size adjustments, and potential tactile and braile menus but how does one navigate to them? I wondered about the overall experience for those with visual impairments.

Moonlit Reflections on McDonald's Accessibility

Moonlit Reflections on McDonald's Accessibility

Moonlit Reflections on McDonald's Accessibility


While strolling home at night, sharing ice creams with my girlfriend, I mulled over ways McDonald's could enhance accessibility for customers with visual impairments.

As we approached a street sign about 5 meters away, scattered leaves on the ground caught my attention. Spontaneously, I removed my flip flops and instructed my girlfriend to create a trail of leaves leading to the kiosk.

Closing my eyes, I attempted to simulate the experience of having no vision, relying on the physical touch of the leaves to guide me.

The realisation struck that physical touch and sound are crucial senses for those with visual impairments.

Paving The Way

Reflecting on McDonald's locations I had visited in the past, I observed a common absence of tactile ground surface indicators.

This realisation marked the beginning of my quest to create a tactile ground indicator and guide for McDonald's.

Envisioned to start at the entrance, this guide would assist individuals with low or no vision in navigating towards a human cashier.

Moonlit Reflections on McDonald's Accessibility

Moonlit Reflections on McDonald's Accessibility

Moonlit Reflections on McDonald's Accessibility


https://www.businessinsider.com/south-african-fast-food-chains-creates-braille-bugers-2012-1