This is a challenge Norway has met through the design of new polling equipment. Access to all through universal design strengthens democratic principles.
New national design for polling stations
The opportunity to vote is a fundamental democratic right. It is at the polling station that the public comes into direct contact with the process of government. Norsk Form (Foundation for Design and Architecture) and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development have held a competition entitled Design and Democracy on the design of comprehensive, accessible and attractive voting facilities, thus giving design a key role to play in the democratic process.
The winning design, by Blueroom, Innovativoli and Kadabra, features an innovative booth that can be used by wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users alike. The use of pictogram symbols, the colour orange as a highlighter, Braille text on the ballot slip holders, strong contrasts and a highly legible, versatile typeface ensure access for the visually impaired. Even the ballot paper is designed in such a way that the voter intuitively understands how it should be folded. The ballot box has a modern look and is simple to use, both for the voters and the polling officials.
The design meets the various needs of all those involved in the voting process. The equipment has a contemporary look at the same time as it reflects the solemnity of the voting procedure. The designers have shown how consideration for all users from the start gives added value to the final product rather than being added on as an afterthought.
Source:
Norsk Form (Foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway): http://norskform.no/en/System/Design-and-Architecture/English-content/Projects/Design-for-Democracy/
Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Election Portal:
http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/kampanjer/election_portal.html?id=456491
Photographs may be downloaded from http://norskform.no/Pressebilder/Prosjekter/Valg-09/