Guiding Block Motifs: Round and Line, What's the Difference?

Have you ever noticed yellow tiles with raised textures on pavements, at stations, terminals, and shopping centres? These tiles are known as guiding blocks or guide paths for visually impaired people with disabilities. In Indonesia, guiding blocks have two different motifs: circles and elongated lines. Although they appear simple, both have distinct functions to help users recognise directions and path conditions. Compiled from Ministerial Regulation on Public Works No. 30 of 2006, guiding blocks with elongated line motifs function as directional indicators for roads. This pattern signals to visually impaired individuals that the path is safe to follow straight along the line’s direction. When the white cane or the sole of the foot touches the line texture, the user can know the direction to follow. Meanwhile, guiding blocks with circular motifs function as warning or caution signs. This motif is installed in areas requiring extra attention, for example: Although often found in public facilities, guiding blocks should not be installed haphazardly. Incorrect placement can confuse and endanger visually impaired users. In some places, guiding blocks are even frequently obstructed by poles, motorcycle parking, street vendors, or lead to walls, thus not functioning optimally. Therefore, the installation of guide paths ideally follows accessibility standards to truly assist the mobility of people with disabilities in accordance with Ministerial Regulation on Public Works No. 30 of 2006.