Presentation
Hidden Treads: The issue of nonuniform lighting on stairs
SessionWednesday Poster Session
DescriptionLighting design on a staircase is an important element for Human Factors practitioners to assess during hazard analyses. The ability to detect the delineation between the nosing and the step below is critical for individuals to appropriately place their foot on stairs. Insufficient visual information or environmental features can affect an individual’s ability to successfully navigate a staircase. Utilizing LED light strips underneath nosings is an example of how designers can provide additional lighting on the stairs as well as demarcate nosings. However, poor lighting system designs or improperly maintained lighting strips can cause misperceptions and increase the likelihood of falls. The present work describes a case study involving a fall from a misstep on a staircase with LED lighting strips under only half of the nosings in an alternating pattern. The geometric or patterned lighting design in this case demonstrates that light patterns can disrupt the perception of the delineated nosings in the same manner as geometric or patterned flooring material. This analysis provides guidance for designers and practitioners when determining the adequacy of lighting on staircases, including the uniformity of lighting necessary for perception of transitions along stairways (e.g., at nosings).
Contributor
Alternate Presenter
Event Type
Poster
TimeWednesday, October 21st5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
LocationSummit Pavilion
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