In 2002, Coley Porter Bell, Kinneir Dufort, Pearlfisher, PSD:Fitch and SiebertHead competed for the DBA Design Challenge Inclusive Design Award. All were developed with the help of young people with disabilities. Projects were presented to an audience at the RCA on 10 December, after which
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the panel of judges announced Coley Porter
Bell as the winner of the Challenge.
Speakers at the event included Robin Hutchinson, Head of Communications of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and Rob Williams of Barclays Bank. Both spoke about the importance of ensuring that innovative initiatives of this nature should be long-term and take place within the framework of ongoing programmes.
Coley Porter Bell worked on the idea of transforming the swing tag on retail items into a valuable interface that enables visually impaired users to make informed, independent choices about colour whilst shopping.
How Does it Work?
The 'c' clothing tag system consists of a tactile language of shapes representing colour and size. The language enables visually impaired users to identify over 60 colours by learning 16 tactile shapes. A ‘c’ tag can be found on garments alongside the other conventional pricing labels and can be scanned with a bar code reader for additional product information.
‘The whole challenge has been a tremendous learning curve for me and has given me exposure to a whole different way of life. It has made me re-appraise every aspect of design. I couldn't explain emotionally what the project has done for me, I just know that I met the most fantastic, happy, free spirited people who I have become friends with, people who have completely inspired me. I just sincerely hope that we can successfully bring this project to life and really make a difference’
Kinneir Dufort worked in partnership with Appliance Studio on the concept of a system for people with limited mobility that would eliminate the pain of the shopping experience but retain its pleasurable, social aspects. This comprised of two key elements - a new store layout and a user friendly 'intelligent' assistant that delivers information about available products and services.
How Does it Work?
Trolleys, baskets and checkouts are eliminated in favour of a virtual shopping trolley. This handheld device allows wheelchair users to rest it on their lap as they browse. Visual or audio information about any product within range is delivered thanks to the Radio Frequency Identification Disc tags on the item.
The supermarket environment has been divided into two retail areas radiating out from a central social hub. In the market hub shoppers can browse and select fresh and speciality items, which are packaged and sent to their actual shopping basket in the warehouse. For ready-packaged goods the shelf area in the display zone has been drastically reduced. A sample item is displayed on the five shelf unit with the product range of the top and bottom shelves duplicated for consumers of different heights.
Once the final selection has been made, the shopper docks their device on a table in the social hub, checks their list with or without call centre assistance, specifies delivery style and pays their bill.
Pearlfisher developed a stylish fashion collection for people with disabilities. It combines a smart aesthetic with smart materials, featuring self-regulating temperature textiles, crease-resistant technology and accessible design features to bring image, accessibility and comfort for all.
How Does it Work?
Garments feature ‘outlast’ - a temperature-regulating micro thermal fabric developed by NASA. Heat is distributed throughout the fabric reducing hot and cold spots. Excess heat from the body is absorbed and released when needed so the temperature is always just right.
It’s also important that clothing is easy to put on and take off – zips are strategically placed for carer-assisted dressing and maximum comfort for wheelchair users. Magnetic buttons and Velcro make fastening garments a breeze for visually impaired consumers while LED and reflective strip features add excitement and added safety when they are out walking. Pockets have been integrated to allow mobile phones to be stored yet always within reach.
PSD:Fitch ‘i-connect’
PSD Fitch developed a system to keep people mobile, safe and informed in complex transport termini like Waterloo Station, allowing them to navigate and negotiate their way safely on and off different types of transport through access to relevant information on the move.
How Does it Work?
Arriving at Waterloo, a traveller would receive information from a wrist display with a separate earpiece and finger control loop. Navigation trails with tactile and visual cues lead to separate zones with different lighting, sound and floor finishes and an information wall where the traveller can receive information for their onward journey. Here the traveller relaxes in a white space created by noise technology that blots surrounding sounds. The control loop alerts them when it is time to board their train. Staff carry devices that provide printouts of comprehensive information and help can be summoned at any time.
SiebertHead ‘handle with care’
Statistics show that on average there are 350,000 burns and scalds accidents in the UK every year.
SiebertHead created a cup and holder that spells safety and freedom and allows users to drink with dignity while on the move or in a public place. It needed to be easy to grip, avoid spillage and bear no resemblance to a baby’s drinking beaker.
How Does it Work?
SiebertHead’s work with their user group led to a two-part solution for a cup with an integrated handle, lid and spout or one where the elements were separate. A discreet but functional spout was integrated into the lid, which could be rotated easily yet provided a handle to allow for safe carrying. The diagonal handle is wide, easily accommodating hands of different sizes and allowing maximum support around the cup. It also allows for cups of different types to be accommodated in the structure. The design is sculptural and aesthetically pleasing.
‘Working with disabled users was absolutely invaluable for getting a real insight into issues and changing our perceptions about designing for inclusivity. The concept of inclusive design doesn't seem to be generally understood – this project underlined the value of taking an inclusive approach. We now have a body of knowledge and understanding that is a valuable tool for authoritatively talking to existing and prospective clients who need to address issues of inclusivity’
