E9 Design for disability Option E AHL: Human Factors Design IB Technology

Wheelchair-related design

Human factors issues There are a range of human factors related to wheelchair design. As a designer you will need to consider: the range of anthropometric dimensions posture comfort pressure management.

Upright wheelchair by Porsche design studio Wheelchair design is being developed further to improve the design.

When designing a wheelchair designers would use a range of methods to gather research. User research – this would be applicable to wheelchair users and carers. Existing product research Systems and environment – which would allow for modification to the environment or systems to allow for use by wheelchair users. For example, modifying the school to allow for wheelchair access.

Can you identify ways in which the consideration of human factors would improve the design of wheelchairs in terms of: Strength Grip Weight Circulation space Storage Reach Safety Comfort Fatigue

Legislation In some countries legislation or laws have been passed which ensure that there is wheelchair access in public buildings, such as hospitals, shopping malls, airports, schools, etc. Task: consider the problems of adapting existing designs compared to new builds.

Task: Evaluate the requirements for wheelchair access in the school environment. How would we need to adapt this school to allow for wheelchairs? How has the school already been adapted?

Design for limited hand movement

When designing products you will need to consider : Grip Torque (twisting) Wrist movement Finger movement Comfort Pressure management Human factors related to limited hand movement

Methods of research User research. Existing product research Systems and environment – which would allow for modification to the environment or systems to allow for use by those with limited hand movement. For example, kitchen appliances that could be modified.

Kitchen appliances Here are some basic kitchen appliances. How could they be modified for greater ease of use for people with limited hand movement? A tin opener Sharp knives Cutlery Cutting board

Suitable modifications Cutlery: could grip the hand or be shaped to make it easier to use. Tin opener: could be electric, limiting the need to move the hand and making it easier to use.

Suitable modifications Sharp knives: could be re-designed to make it safer to hold or be shaped to make it easier to use. Cutting board: the board could grip the food and the work surface, freeing up the other hand and making it easier to use.

Forces There are a range of forces involved in unscrewing the lid of a jar. Torque, also called moment or moment of force, is a force which rotates an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Grip is a measure of hand strength.

Product range Here are a range of products which can help you to unscrew the lid of a jar:

Design for disability in a global society

In developing countries, disability issues are often not covered by legislation or deemed a priority. Disability in developing countries Disability in developed countries In developed countries there are laws (legislation) to highlight disabled issues, such as disabled access and disabled facilities.

Social responsibility Designers have a social responsibility to design for all impaired groups. Design should be an attempt to improve the life of people by designing products that make tasks easier or more enjoyable. New technology allows for increased individuality in the design of products to meet the needs of consumers of all types.

Legislation Legislation ensures inclusive design for community facilities and public places. Consider legislation through: Standards (ISO, EU, BSI) Design incentives Regulations

Opportunities In the global market place there are many opportunities to design for specific impairments. Disability groups are often referred to as minority user groups who do not benefit from economies of scale. Therefore products for those groups are much more expensive than comparable products for other user groups. On a global scale disability groups represent major markets and deserve to be treated accordingly.

Impaired customers benefit from increased access to product information. The internet offers individual users as well as organised groups the opportunity to carry out research into and gain access to products that would not be possible by more conventional means. The Internet