Have you ever wondered why those bumpy, usually yellow slabs of pavement are at crosswalks and train stations? Those design features were invented more than 50 years ago by Japanese inventor Seiichi Miyake to help the visually impaired navigate public spaces with ease. At the time, Miyake’s inspiration came from a desire to help his close friend whose vision was becoming impaired. In 1965, he spent his own money to design the tactile pavement, or Tenji blocks as they were called when first made. The barred slabs are meant to guide the person in a certain direction, following along a safe path.

Source: National Post March 18, 2019 15:22 UTC