Universal Design: Integrating Innovative Products and Spatial Design

By combining the benefits of aluminum, vinyl, and wood windows, fiberglass composites provide aesthetics and longevity for any environmental condition.
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Advertorial course provided by Whirlpool Corporation
Mark R. Johnson, FAIA

Fourteen Universal Design Tips

Following are some basic ways to include universal design in a project. What others can you add to the list?

Install wide doorways and hallways.
Use pocket doors when possible.
Use lever−style door and faucet handles in place of round knobs.
Install good task lighting
Include differing levels of countertops.
Use contrasting colors to define the edge of a countertop.
Choose flooring and countertops in contrasting colors.
Specify appliances with contrasting labels/knobs.
Make sure knee clearances have a minimum width of 30 inches, but 36 inches is ideal Clearance should also be 27 inches high and 19 inches deep.
Toe kick clearance should be 9 inches high and 6 inches deep.
Include a rolling cart in the kitchen.
Choose cabinets with pullout shelves.
Provide seating so cooks can sit while preparing meals.

The hanging rack on the vertical pedestal system increases usability by adding temporary hanging space at a convenient height.

Appliance Usability Universal Design Features

Universal design features currently found in appliances.

Dishwasher

  • Front-mounted controls facilitate easy reach
  • Raised control buttons are detectable by touch
  • Controls require low push force and minimum sustained effort
  • Controls with high contrast graphics
  • Minimal programming required (one button start)
  • Controls accommodate right- or left-handed access and use
  • Control functions arranged according to importance
  • Dishwasher can be installed on a raised platform
  • Full-extension upper rack for easy access
  • Height adjustable upper rack
  • Easy access to in-the-door silverware basket

Oven

  • Glass tap-touch over controls for improved cleanability
  • High contrast graphics on console for improved visibility and legibility
  • Multiple lights in oven and larger glass area in oven door for added visibility

Cook tops

  • Ceran graphic layout minimizes staining potential of cook top for ease of maintenance
  • Gas cook top grate design maximizes pan stability for small cookware

Microwave

  • Glass tap-touch controls are seamless integrated with oven window to maximize cleanability
  • Intuitive menu system
  • Clearly grouped controls-vent fan and light buttons for the cook top are separated from the microwave control
  • Basic and advanced programming modes to fit both novice and expert users

Side-by-side Refrigerator

  • Advanced water/ice dispenser
  • Controls grouped according to their functionality (water, ice)
  • Icons provided as redundant to text
  • Tactile, visual and auditory feedback for button press
  • Basic and advanced features separated on the dispenser graphics
  • The push force for paddle activation accommodates children and elderly users
  • Dispenser height accessible for children, elderly users and for wheelchair users

 

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Architectural Record
Originally published in July 2006

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