Meeting the needs of older and disabled consumers
Guidelines for product design and testing
(view report contents)
Types
The checklist can be used with electric driers, either full-size or compact, and both air vented or condenser models.
Air vented driers are supplied with a flexible hose which attaches to the machine and carries the warm damp air to the outside. This can be through an open window or the drier can be permanently installed to a vent through a wall. A permanent installation is likely to be preferred by most people with disabilities, since it requires no further handling of the vent hose.
Most models in the UK assessed by RICA vent from low down at the back, which is difficult to fit for people who cannot bend down easily. Some models vent from the front through the door, which gives easier access, and some provide different venting points - back, right or left side.
Condenser driers cool the damp air inside where it collects in a water container. This should be emptied after each use, or with some models it can be piped down a drain - an advantage for disabled people.
Tumble driers have a filter to collect lint shed by the laundry during drying. This is usually behind or close to the door and has to be cleared regularly.
Fitting the vent hose
air vented driers only
* alternative venting positions available
* no fiddly actions required to deal with vent hose
* little force required to fit and disconnect vent hose
* all hose actions possible one-handed
Opening and closing the door
* door
can be hinged on left or right
increases flexibility for placing
drier; helpful to people
with the use of one hand only
* opening button has non-slippery surface
* opening button requires little force to operate
* door
handle provides good gripping area
plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery
surface
* door handle requires little force to operate
* closing the door(s) requires little force
* all door actions possible one-handed
* door has a lock - to keep small children out
Loading and unloading the laundry
* wheels or castors for moving the drier
* access to drum requires no bending down or stretching
* large aperture for easy loading and unloading
* door
opens very wide
side opening doors that open flat
back against
the machine front are ideal for easy
loading
* loading and unloading possible one-handed
Timer 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
* control clicks into each setting
* 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
Heat setting 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
* all labelling and markings strongly colour contrasted against their background
* all labelling and markings large for easy viewing
Clearing the filter
* position does not require excessive bending down
* little force required to remove filter for clearing
* no fiddly actions required to remove filter
* little force required to replace filter
* no fiddly actions required to replace filter
* all actions possible one-handed
Emptying the water
condenser driers only
* condensed water can be piped down drain
* container position does not require excessive bending down
* little force required to remove container for emptying
* no fiddly actions required to remove container
* little force required to replace container
* no fiddly actions required to replace container
* no sharp edges when dealing with the container
* all actions possible one-handed
Drying guide
* all labelling and markings strongly colour contrasted against their background
* all labelling and markings large for easy viewing
* sufficient information to set timer appropriately
Instructions
*
paper is matt or with slight sheen
glossy paper reflects light - difficult to read from
* written in simple language, no technical terms
*
clear and logical layout
main printed text in minimum 12 point size
* printed text in sans-serif typeface
*
large print version available on request
minimum 14 point type throughout
* * audio tape and/or braille version available on request
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
