Inclusive Considerations
To be inclusive the product shouldn't need to be adapted for different users, in some cases existing products need to be redesigned to make sure all users have access, look here for more information about being inclusive, think about areas of difficulty for the population for example:
Motor Function
Areas of difficulty: Some movement is difficult or restricted—e.g they may use a wheelchair or have limited use of their arms.
Modifications or Considerations: Lightweight products so not tiring or difficult to manoeuvre; ergonomically designed areas which can be adjusted by the user for comfort, electric powered.
Visual Impairment
Areas of difficulty: They may only be able to see a small amount or may not be able to see anything at all.
Modifications or Considerations: Use of braille, larger screens or buttons, different shaped buttons e.g. circles for on/off.
Cognitive Impairment
Areas of difficulty:
They may find long processes difficult to follow or to recall more information.
Modifications or Considerations: Pictograms, guide through process with lights.
Fine Motor Function
Areas of difficulty: Finer movement is impaired—e.g. they have trouble moving their hands to grip or pick up objects.
Modifications or Considerations: Bigger grip size, use of TPE coatings.
Hearing Impairment
Areas of difficulty: They may only be able to hear a small amount or may not be able to hear anything at all.
Modifications or Considerations: More visual features (e.g. flashing lights).
Motor Function
Areas of difficulty: Some movement is difficult or restricted—e.g they may use a wheelchair or have limited use of their arms.
Modifications or Considerations: Lightweight products so not tiring or difficult to manoeuvre; ergonomically designed areas which can be adjusted by the user for comfort, electric powered.
Visual Impairment
Areas of difficulty: They may only be able to see a small amount or may not be able to see anything at all.
Modifications or Considerations: Use of braille, larger screens or buttons, different shaped buttons e.g. circles for on/off.
Cognitive Impairment
Areas of difficulty:
They may find long processes difficult to follow or to recall more information.
Modifications or Considerations: Pictograms, guide through process with lights.
Fine Motor Function
Areas of difficulty: Finer movement is impaired—e.g. they have trouble moving their hands to grip or pick up objects.
Modifications or Considerations: Bigger grip size, use of TPE coatings.
Hearing Impairment
Areas of difficulty: They may only be able to hear a small amount or may not be able to hear anything at all.
Modifications or Considerations: More visual features (e.g. flashing lights).
Case Studies of Inclusive Design
B&Q teamed up with researchers to develop a range of hand tools that could be used by all. As people grew older their ability to hold and grip tools stopped many elderly people from doing simple DIY or for some their hobbies.
They came up with a range of 4 different handtools, including the Sandbug palm sander shown above and other products such as screwdrivers. Instead of being operated by a small handle they are isntead operated by the full palm - making them easier to grip. Click here to read more about the Sandbug |
The BT Freestyle 7xx was created with 7 categories to make the product fully inclusive for everyone regardless of difficulties;
Easy to dial - Large comfortable keys Easy to read - High contrast and large characters Easy to hear - Comfortable ear bowl, easy volume adjustment and inductive coupler for digital hearing aids Easy to hear phone ringing - Lower frequency ringer and increased size of the call indicator light Easy to understand - No icons, no abbreviations, keys with single functionality, intelligent function hierarchy Easy to answer and end calls - Large, separate keys to start and end calls Easy to see who is calling - 2 line dot matrix display, large characters Including all these features makes the manufacturing costs higher, but as people are keeping these phones for longer, and through recommendations it maintains a healthy profit. |