Design requrement data and the older adult

Bruce Carse, Avril Thomson*, Ben Stansfield

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

It is well recognised that many products do not meet the requirements of the rapidly growing older adult population. The research described in this paper aims is to provide designers with relevant and useable older adult requirement data. Data relating to older adults capabilities is being produced largely by the biomechanics community however, there is little evidence of its adoption. This project focussed specifically on the design of everyday consumer packaging. Poorly designed packaging can present a significant barrier to achieving one of the most important basic activities of daily living -being able to feed oneself. Initially a study of practising designers was conducted to establish how they currently design for older adults. An Observational Video Study followed which examined 60-90 year old adults opening packaging, from which typical opening strategies were identified. Relevant "new" design data was extracted from the observational video study and presented to packaging designers in a series of interviews together with typical biomechanical data. These interviews established exactly what data designers want and the best formats for integration in the design process.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDS 58-5
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design
Pages429-441
Number of pages13
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Event17th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 09) - Palo Alto, United States
Duration: 24 Aug 200927 Aug 2009

Publication series

NameDS 58-5: Proceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design
Volume5

Conference

Conference17th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 09)
Abbreviated titleICED 09
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPalo Alto
Period24/08/0927/08/09

Keywords

  • Biomechanics
  • Design data
  • Design requirements
  • Inclusive Design
  • Older adults
  • Packaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Modelling and Simulation

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