Meeting the needs of older and disabled consumers
Guidelines for product design and testing
(view report contents)
TOASTERS CHECKLIST
Types
The checklist can be used with any bread toasting toaster. There are two basic types - with short slots (one slice per slot) or long slots (two slices per slot). They vary in capacity from two slices to four slices.
Browning control
- protruding control
recessed controls restrict finger space
- shape and size provide good gripping area
plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface
- control requires little force to operate
- setting position can be felt by touch
this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds
- all labelling and markings strongly colour contrasted against their background
- all labelling and markings are large for easy viewing
Cancel button
- protruding control
recessed controls restrict finger space
- shape and size provide good gripping area
large gripping area with non-slippery surface
- control requires little force to operate
- any labelling and markings strongly colour contrasted against their background
- any labelling and markings are large for easy viewing
Loading the bread
- slices fit easily into slots
- loading control protrudes well
- shape and size provide good gripping area
large gripping area with non-slippery surface
- control requires little force to operate
- control has smooth action
- control can be raised with little force
to manually eject the bread
- all actions possible one-handed
- toaster is stable during use
- toaster stays in place on work surface
effective anti-slip areas on the base
Extra features
write in feature types above the boxes - eg high lift, warmer bar, one-side
toasting, adjustable slot width, frozen bread button
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no fiddly actions required to operate features
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feature controls require little force to operate
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any labelling and markings strongly colour contrasted against their background
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any labelling and markings are large for easy viewing
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no fiddly actions required to clip excess cord in place
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little force required to clip excess cord in place
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Cleaning
- outer surfaces easy to clean
no unnecessary mouldings or recesses
- pull out crumb tray
those that have to be opened with a tool are more difficult
- no fiddly actions required to pull out tray
protruding trays are helpful, recessed trays are more fiddly
- little force required to pull out or replace tray
Safety aspects
- exterior walls of toaster remain cool during toasting
- toast pops up well clear of the slots
keeps fingers away from hot metal slots
Report Contents
Introduction
Why design for all is important
Using
research to identify needs - the basic toolkit
Product group checklists
- washing machines
- tumble driers
- vacuum cleaners
- microwave ovens
- electric irons
- electric kettles
- toasters
- food preparation machines
- telephones
- cars
The practical principles of design for all
What can be done to raise awareness
Useful contacts
