Paper Vision Town: Designing an Interactive System to Experience Color-Vision Diversity and Color Universal Design

Abstract

Understanding the diversity of human color vision is essential for creating inclusive environments and products. Although color universal design (CUD) principles have been widely discussed in design and human-factor research, opportunities for non-experts to experientially understand color-vision diversity remain limited. Many individuals with typical color vision find it difficult to imagine how visual information is perceived by individuals with color-vision deficiencies, which can hinder the effective application of CUD in real-world design practices. To address this issue, this study proposes an experiential learning system called Paper Vision Town, which enables participants to intuitively understand color-vision diversity and the importance of universal color design through hands-on exploration.Paper Vision Town is a paper-based educational system that represents a city environment. Two versions of a city were developed: one designed for individuals with typical color vision and another simulating the visual perception of individuals with deuteranopia, one of the most common types of color-vision deficiencies. The visual elements of the cities, such as signs, maps, buildings, and public information, were carefully designed to reflect differences in color perception, while maintaining identical layouts and functional structures. In addition, a set of theme cards was created to guide participants’ exploration. Each theme card presents a specific task or scenario such as finding a destination, identifying important information, or navigating a city.First, participants select a theme card and then explore both city versions according to a given task. By comparing their experiences in the two cities, participants can directly observe how differences in color vision affect visibility, information recognition, and usability. This comparative exploration allows participants to recognize the challenges faced by individuals with color-vision deficiencies and effectiveness of design strategies based on color universal design such as the use of luminance contrast, patterns, shapes, and redundant visual cues.The proposed system emphasizes experiential, rather than abstract, explanations. Through physical interaction and visual comparison, participants are encouraged to reflect on their own assumptions about visual perception and develop empathy toward users with different color-vision characteristics. Paper Vision Town can be used in educational settings, workshops, and design training programs to support learning about inclusive designs and human factors.This study contributes to the field of applied human factors and ergonomics by presenting a tangible and easily deployable method for communicating color-vision diversity. The results suggest that hands-on comparative experiences are effective in raising awareness of universal color design and promoting the practical application of inclusive design principles. The proposed approach highlights the importance of experiential learning tools in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world design practice.

Keywords: CUD Color, Universal design Education

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007971