What is a significant impact of good environmental design in relation to mobility?

Good environmental design plays a crucial role in enhancing mobility, particularly by improving safety and making navigation easier for individuals. When environments are thoughtfully designed with features such as clear signage, appropriate lighting, and accessible pathways, they provide individuals with intuitive cues that guide them effectively. This reduces the likelihood of accidents or confusion that might occur in poorly designed spaces.

For example, a well-designed public space that includes tactile paving for the visually impaired, wide sidewalks free of obstructions, and strategically placed benches allows individuals to navigate more confidently and with less physical exertion. Additionally, environments that are clear and well-marked enable users to maintain better orientation and make informed decisions about their routes, ultimately leading to a more positive mobility experience.

In contrast, other options do not capture this primary benefit of good environmental design. While navigation technology can assist in mobility, it does not replace the fundamental need for a safe, intuitive environment. Increased cognitive load during navigation suggests a cumbersome experience, which contradicts the advantages of good design. Moreover, though good design might reduce the need for extensive orientation training, it does not eliminate the necessity for some level of training to ensure individuals can utilize these environments effectively.