Third age usability and safety - an ergonomics contribution to design

Commercial pressures are placing demands on the designer to provide solutio ns which are fit for purpose for all user groups. The needs of these groups can vary significantly yet inclusive design of mainstream products and wor k equipment remains a top priority. This paper is not an academic review of current theories of inclusive design methodologies. Rather, it explores th e ergonomics contribution to the design process, the pitfalls to be avoided and suggests ways of avoiding them. Specifically, the needs of the Third A ge are considered with their increasingly important requirements within the workplace and beyond. The authors contest that a user-centred approach is at the heart of achieving inclusive design; expecting the designer to apply ergonomics data without understanding user needs is unlikely to yield fit- for-purpose products. (C) 2001 Academic Press.