GE CitizenshipUniversal Design Principles in New Appliance Development
Although each of us has a unique profile consisting of height, age, ability, strengths, weaknesses and preferences, most homes are designed to fit a “standard” person. As a result, many of us struggle to reach or operate sink fixtures, cabinets and appliances.
Universal Design is a design concept that meets the needs of people with varied abilities. It not only addresses the current difficulties people face, but also the possible physical challenges later in life.
For the past three years, the Appliance Division of GE Consumer & Industrial has teamed up with members of the Carnegie Mellon School of Design to compile data and statistics, and cite changing demographics in America that are adding urgency to addressing these design issues.
Some examples:
- The senior population is growing at three times the rate of the general population.
- Currently, 13 percent of Americans are over the age of 65; a figure that will grow to almost 20 percent by 2030.
- By the year 2014, all baby-boomers will have celebrated their 50th birthdays and received their AARP¨ cards.
- More than half of Americans expect to have elder care responsibilities within the next 10 years or simply want to be able to entertain and host family members and friends, of all abilities, in their homes.
Concurrent with the work of the Appliance Division, the Industrial Design Group of GE Consumer & Industrial teamed with the University of Illinois and then, more extensively, with Carnegie Mellon School of Design. During these meetings a variety of activities took place.
Phase I
Field research was conducted with elder and late baby-boomer communities including personal interviews and observations of consumers in their homes. Focus groups were conducted with this population and comments and observations were reviewed. In addition, a review of literature and compiling of demographic information and statistics were important steps in the study.
The University researchers and GE Industrial Design participants also gathered knowledge from empathy sessions. Participants taped their knuckles and wore gloves to simulate arthritis, put cotton balls in their ears to simulate a decrease in hearing, and wore special glasses that simulated vision impairment such as macular degeneration. This role-playing simulation allowed them to experience firsthand what an aging consumer or special needs consumer might experience when operating an appliance. The group also consulted with health care professionals and gerontologists.
Phase II
Direct application of the field research findings to generate appliance design concepts that would meet many of these needs. Two dimensional and three dimensional sketching of appliance prototypes were made and sketch models and form studies created.
Phase III
Continue with testing of prototypes through surveys, contextual observation and consumer acceptance testing.