When you need a “Tap user guide” in a restaurant toilet, you know the design wasn’t as clear as it could have been! This example is from Babble in Hove.

I know this is not a new observation, but it is one that stands out to me much more now after a recent trip. Back in February, I travelled to Scotland with a partially sighted friend. While we were at Gatwick Airport, I had to guide her through how to use the taps, soap, and hand dryer. She already had very little independence on that trip, but losing the ability to even wash her hands without help was something neither of us had expected. It just seems so unnecessary.

If we design things to be universally easy to use, then everyone benefits. Plus, nobody needs to spend time creating user guides for taps.