طراحی نوین نقشه مترو تهران دوستدار کوررنگی توسط مهندس کوثری

Designing accessible public transportation maps is not merely a visual challenge—it is a social responsibility. A significant portion of the population lives with some form of color vision deficiency (CVD), and for them, traditional metro maps can be confusing or completely unusable. Motivated by years of experience in colorblindness awareness and education, I undertook the challenge of redesigning the Tehran Metro map with a fully colorblind-friendly approach. The result is a modern, human-centered visual system that maintains aesthetic clarity while significantly improving accessibility.

The redesign began with a detailed analysis of Tehran’s metro network, focusing on passenger flow, line intersections, and critical transfer hubs. Understanding how millions of passengers navigate the system daily allowed me to identify which lines required maximum visual distinction. This analytical foundation helped shape a design strategy that prioritizes clarity for users with various types of color vision deficiency without sacrificing visual harmony for those with normal vision.

A key component of the project was the development of a revised color palette specifically engineered for CVD users. Instead of relying solely on hue differences—which are often lost in colorblind vision—the new palette emphasizes contrast, luminance values, and structural differentiation. Colors were selected and tested through multiple CVD simulators to ensure that no two lines merged visually or became ambiguous under different types of colorblindness.

However, color alone is never a sufficient method for conveying critical information. To address this, each metro line was assigned a unique line pattern and labeled with repeated textual identifiers. Transfer stations were redesigned using distinct geometric shapes, making them easily recognizable even when adjacent lines share similar color tones. This layered communication strategy—color + pattern + text—ensures reliable navigation regardless of a user’s ability to perceive color.

In the next phase, the map was tested against several real-world challenges: dense intersections, overlapping lines, complex curves, and high-traffic regions. The design needed to remain readable both at full size and when viewed under reduced resolution inside train carriages. Special care was taken to balance visual simplicity with structural precision, keeping the map both functional and visually modern.

The project’s success inspired me to extend the same approach to other metro systems, including a redesigned colorblind-friendly map for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Although each city has its own geometry, culture, and design conventions, the underlying principles of universal accessibility remain the same. My work aims to demonstrate that inclusive design can be both beautiful and practical—and that improving the user experience for colorblind individuals benefits everyone.

As a designer dedicated to creating accessible visual systems, I am committed to continuing this work on broader scales. My goal is to collaborate with transportation authorities, design studios, and accessibility-focused organizations worldwide to bring truly inclusive transit mapping to more cities. This project is not only a redesign—it is a step toward a future where public information systems respect and serve all members of society.