Braille paper questionnaire - results
Our recent survey of Braille readers, and Braille paper, was a huge success - and has provided some very valuable feedback. Read on for all the results, and for further information:
A2i use a lot of thick paper every day to produce our Braille documents. We currently use FSC paper (paper from well managed sources), but we are keen to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and have been looking at the recycled paper options available to us. We also want to ensure the quality of our Braille is maintained if we do change our paper type.
Survey participants were asked to read six Braille samples, and give them each a rating for the following:
1. Paper Thickness
2. Impact Level
3. Overall Preference
The samples were:
Sample A: Our current Braille paper, 160gsm, FSC Mixed Paper
Sample B: 80gsm paper, Not recycled or FSC.
Sample C: 120gsm paper, Not recycled or FSC.
Sample D: 80gsm paper, 100% Recycled, ecological responsibility stamped
Sample E: 100gsm paper, 100% Recycled
Sample F: 160gsm, FSC Mixed Paper
We had a great response and, with all three factors considered, sample F came out on top with an overall rating of 9 out of 10. Sample A, our current paper, came a very close second.
The overwhelming feedback we received was that there is a market for recycled Braille, but that serious concerns remain regarding the thickness of the recycled paper, and therefore the durability of Braille embossed on to it, as reflected by lower scores of between 4 and 6 out of 10 in these areas for samples D and E.
Almost half of the people who responded to the survey commented independently that the recycled paper would be best for throwaway documents such as letters or statements etc, but would not be appropriate for books, multi-use documents or items to be kept long-term.
A2i’s managing director Susie Fisher commented: “We received a great response and would like to thank everyone for taking part. We will definitely take on board all the comments we have received.” Susie continued, “It was really interesting to hear what our user group thought of the recycled paper as reducing our carbon footprint is a key issue for us all.”
A2i plans
A2i will now look at two options:
1. Changing our standard Braille paper to option F
2. Encouraging customers to use recycled paper (option E) for documents that are short and for single-use only.
We will let you know how we get on!
Go to our website for more information about the survey, and the results.
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