Guideline for Designing Handicapped Products
Products for the handicapped are designed to help compensate for cognitive or sensory deficits. A product may aim to assist someone with vision problems read written materials, help a person with mental retardation navigate public transit or let a wheelchair user grab items from high shelves. When designing products for the handicapped, there are several considerations you should take into account, including the needs of the user and the ultimate cost of the product.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is important for products intended for the handicapped market. All parts should be well marked and easy to see. An object should not require multiple attempts to put together. Any assembly required should be minimal. Think about how the parts fit together. Take the time to see whether staff members can use them without any fuss before you put them on the market. Include all parts necessary to put the item together with the item when you sell it. A small screwdriver or series of nails can be attached to the original package. If possible, make the object portable as well. An item that can be used to grab objects should fold over and fit in a pocket or under a wheelchair. Make objects easy to clean. An item should fit in a dishwasher or be cleanable with a simple cloth and running water.
If possible, make the item functional but not overly expensive. A handicapped person may receive Social Security disability funds and thus have a limited budget. The handicapped person may have additional expenses not faced by the general population, such as specialized medical supplies, and may have to hire outside caregivers. A handicapped person also may face decreased opportunities to earn money from outside employment. Look for ways to reduce the costs of the items, such as cutting down on shipping materials and even asking suppliers to donate parts.
Durable and Lasting
Design the product so it is durable and lasts a long time. A person with limited hand function may find it difficult to grasp objects. Items may get dropped as a result. People with cognitive deficits may not know how to store an item properly or may subject it to heavy use. Make sure the object can withstand handling by multiple people repeatedly. A handicapped person also may find it hard to get to stores because of limited transit reliability. Any item designed for the handicapped market should be very sturdy to avoid the necessity of replacing it frequently.