Google Doodle Commemorates Those Bumps on the Edge of the Transit Platform

Today's Google Doodle celebrates an important component of accessibility and mobility for the visually impaired.

1 minute read

March 18, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Americans With Disabilities Act

There's more than one way to send this message. | Silken Photography / Shutterstock

"Today's animated Doodle celebrates Japanese inventor Seiichi Miyake, whose desire to help a close friend turned into an innovation that drastically improved the way those who are visually impaired navigate public spaces around the globe," according to the website Google set up to explain the websites choices of doodles.

The improvement Miyake invented: those raised yellow dots, ubiquitous today on transit platforms all over the world. Miyake spent his own money to develop the idea, to help a visiually impaired friend.

"Aside from identifying tactile tiles via a support or white cane, individuals also do so with the help of guide dogs or feeling them through their shoes," explains Google.

Monday, March 18, 2019 in Google

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Aerial view of small town of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program

The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.

7 hours ago - The Daily Yonder

Chicago sidewalk with brick homes in winter.

Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program

Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.

December 8 - Block Club Chicago

Close-up of yellow Pacers Bikeshare e-bike parked outdoors with blurred people in background.

Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program

A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.

December 8 - Pacers Bikeshare

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.