Power to the people

In this chapter we look at design from a consumer point of view. It describes testing carried out by consumer organisations and some of the practicalities involved in assessing products from the point of view of disabled people. Some of the findings of this research are reviewed. It suggests that few mainstream products are designed to cater for older and disabled people and that very few cater for the range of impairments frequently found in the population. Much of this problem is due to simple ignorance of what is needed. This is partly due to a lack of teaching in design colleges. Closer collaboration is needed between those who evaluate the design of products and those who are responsible for this design. Recommendations include the need for a cultural change within certain industries, the consolidation of information about the inclusive design, and more creative thinking all round.