Most of us have walked into a building we've never visited before and wondered where to go. We look for signs, maps, reception desks or simply follow other people. Within a few minutes we've usually built a mental picture of the place and can find our way around.

But for some people, that information isn't available simply by looking. At Tactile NZ, we help organisations understand how people experience unfamiliar places. We explore how visitors arrive, orient themselves and build confidence in their surroundings. Sometimes that experience works remarkably well. Sometimes there are opportunities to make it easier, more inclusive and less dependent on asking for directions.

One of the ways we help is through custom-designed tactile orientation maps. These maps allow people who are blind or have low vision to understand the layout of a building through touch, providing access to information that many sighted visitors gather simply by looking around. They can also become a shared point of orientation for families, companions, support workers and anyone who wants to build a clearer understanding of an unfamiliar place before setting off.

We believe every place should be understood by the people who use it. That's where every conversation begins.