Methods Lab 2009-2010
10-11 November 2009, Royal College of Art
Working with their creative partner Jeanette, a sign language trainer with a hearing impairment, the team came up with the idea for a series of videos using sign language to convey travel information and advertisements. These would be shown on screens inside trains on the London Underground.
This idea came initially in response to Jeanette's difficulty in receiving vital travel information because of her deafness. The aim of this is to improve accessibility of the Underground for deaf people, reducing private car use and so encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.
The other theme also addressed by the video concept was of raising awareness and education. The videos are intended to be fun and educational - the sign is given first, then the information is revealed (written and announced). This could provide a way of learning sign language.
It was suggested that the system should be subsidised by the government (aligning with green policies to promote public transport use). Manufacturers' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes could donate screens and the advertising should also provide a revenue stream.
