Direct Access

MiniMaps

Accessible Media > Direct Access MiniMaps

Introducing MiniMaps by Direct Access – the portable, sustainable, and lightweight revolution in tactile navigation. Designed by our award-winning Innovation team, MiniMaps offer an accessible and inclusive way for everyone—especially visually impaired people (VIPs)—to independently explore and understand spaces.

Unlike traditional swell maps, MiniMaps are more durable, weather-resistant, and designed for real-world use, whether indoors or outdoors. They put intuitive, one-handed tactile navigation in the palm of your hand, making them ideal for navigating busy environments like schools, museums, transit hubs, universities, zoos, theme parks, and shopping centres.

Built on our belief that accessibility should be practical, affordable, and embedded into everyday life, MiniMaps are also designed to be inclusive for all users. Whether you’re blind, partially sighted, or simply want a clearer understanding of a space,

MiniMaps conveniently distinguish between key areas so users can find essential information quickly, confidently, and independently.

Who uses our MiniMaps?

MiniMaps by Direct Access are designed to benefit a wide range of users by making navigation more inclusive, intuitive, and accessible. Visually impaired people (VIPs) are the primary beneficiaries, using the tactile, one-handed format to independently explore and understand spaces without relying on assistance.

The durable, weather-resistant design makes MiniMaps ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings, offering a reliable alternative to swell maps or digital signage. They’re also useful for neurodivergent individuals, who may find comfort in simplified, tactile layouts they can interpret at their own pace.

Beyond accessibility, MiniMaps are valuable for the general public, including tourists, first-time visitors, and children who benefit from a clear, physical overview of unfamiliar environments. Staff and emergency responders can also use them to quickly orient themselves in busy or complex spaces. Designed for everyone, MiniMaps provide a universal tool for better wayfinding—empowering all users to navigate spaces confidently, independently, and without barriers.

MiniMaps by Direct Access are designed to be inclusive and universally beneficial, but there are several key groups who especially gain from their use, including Visually Impaired People, Neurodivergent Individuals, Children and Students, Tourists, and First Responders/Emergency Services.

What You Need to Know

Our Maps are embedded with Braille beads to aid in Braille is the system of raised dots used for reading and writing by people who are blind or severely visually impaired. We use the latest Index Embossers to ensure we create a product of the highest quality.

Direct Access can produce MiniMaps in all sizes, with the absolute maximum being A3 formats. This is to ensure that the product is fit for purpose and can be conveniently carried as well as deciphered by VIP individuals.

Once a contract is agreed upon, our graphic design team will work in collaboration with you to create a detailed map of your site, taking into account your desired colours and any specific brand guidelines.

Once the design is signed off and a production timeline mapped, our CAD engineers will use specialised software to create 3D models based on our Graphic Designer’s final designs before going to print. This ensures that the final MiniMap design is functional, manufacturable, and optimized for production.

Production turnaround of our MiniMaps can be as quick as a couple of weeks depending on the complexity of the map and how swiftly the design is finalised with our graphic designers.

Still not sold?

If you are interested in creating a MiniMap for your site, please feel free to enquire our team using the button below. You can also contact our Accessible Media lead Craig directly at cacton@directaccess.group. A VIP himself, he will be happy to answer any questions you might have or provided further information on the accessibility, utility, or quality of our MiniMaps.