Universal design: It does get easier
By STACY DOWNS
Kansas City Star, Missouri, September 24, 2006
Better designs serve aging consumers and those with disabilities.
When shopping for an appliance, the typical considerations are energy
efficiency, affordability, attractiveness and size. But today's consumers
and manufacturers are placing equal importance on another consideration:
Ease of use.
They are looking beyond today, too, and considering how easy the appliance
will be to operate when the consumer ages or becomes disabled. Some
appliances, after all, have a life span of 20 years of more.
Jan Jasper of Liberty recently bought a stove with front-mounted control
knobs, which eliminate the need to reach over hot burners. Her old stove had
controls in back.
"It's so much easier to use," said Jasper, who has multiple sclerosis and
uses a cane and wheelchair. "I don't have to worry about burning myself."
Jasper thinks her new stove also would be useful for her mother-in-law, who
is short.
Universal design, meets the needs of people with diverse physical abilities,
meets the Americans With Disabilities Act standards. The percentage of
Americans older than 50 is growing, and as the population ages, universal
design becomes more important.
"People probably won't notice they have a product with universal design
features, but they'll use it in a way that's more effortless," said Marc
Hottenroth, industrial design leader for GE, a company that has made more
appliances with easy-to-use features in recent years. He says many older
appliances were poorly designed.
Migette Kaup, associate professor of interior design at Kansas State
University in Manhattan, cited several appliance features that are difficult
for people to use. A person using a wheelchair or cane, for instance, has to
struggle to pull racks in and out of an oven that opens from the top.
Kaup, who teaches universal design in her classes, says some new appliances
are easier to use because of universal design features. "That's refreshing
because upper-body strength is the first thing to go for men and women as
they age," she said.
Dishwasher drawers, Kaup says, eliminate the need to stoop. The drawers,
made by companies such as Fisher & Paykel and Miele, are coming down in
price. New refrigerator drawers have the same advantage, but they're still
too expensive for the mainstream consumer, she says.
More microwaves have bigger numbers and scrolling guides to help people
through the process. People who are visually impaired can get Braille kits
from the manufacturers. Another solution, Kaup says, is placing
raised-number stickers from an office supply store over the controls.
APPLIANCES FOR ALL ABILITIES
DISHWASHERS
Dish drawers or a raised dishwasher are good for no-stoop, no-bend loading.
MICROWAVES
A countertop microwave (instead of a wall-mounted microwave) is best because
it has a landing space for hot dishes and allows access for someone who uses
a wheelchair.
Look for easy-to-read controls.
REFRIGERATORS
A side-by-side, frost-free refrigerator/freezer allows full access for
everyone.
Having a freezer drawer on the bottom is the second best option. It provides
access better than having a freezer on top.
STOVES AND OVENS
Look for a stove with front-mounted controls, which eliminate the need to
reach over burners.
Consider a smooth electric cooktop that allows easy movement of pots and
pans and easy cleanup.
Wall ovens should open from the side and be installed with the middle shelf
at counter height.
WASHERS AND DRYERS
 Look for front-mounted controls that can eliminate reaching.
There's no need to stoop with raised platforms for front-loading machines.
Look for drums that are tilted up to prevent excessive reaching.
Source: Kansas State University's universal design checklist
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Equitable use - The appliance should be accessible and appealing to all in
the home.
Flexibility in use - The appliance should allow for both right-hand and
left-hand use, and accommodate people with functional limitations.
Simple and intuitive - The appliance should be easy to understand and use.
Perceptible information - The appliance can accommodate people with impaired
vision. It may have visual or audible cues for easy operation.
Tolerance for error - The appliance has safety features, such as child
locks.
Low physical effort - The appliance controls can be activated with minimal
pressure.
Size and space for approach and use - The appliance is easily accessible to
someone who uses a wheelchair. A tall person wouldn't have to bend or stoop
extremely to use it.
Sources: North Carolina State University Center for Universal Design; GE
Reach Stacy Downs at (816) 234-4780 or sdowns@kcstar.com.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/living/15558371.htm