Designing cool things for people with disabilities...

Designing cool things for people with disabilities...
"Design students who create products for disabled people are hoping to attract the attention of manufacturers at an exhibition in London this week."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4272516.stm

   

Mr Goodland conducted research among people aged over 65.

   

He found that items which were the most difficult to use were video recorders, vacuum cleaners, central heating timers and telephones.

   

He decided to concentrate on timers and phones because both are vital to a person's well-being.

   

Among telephone users, he found the most common problem was dialling.

   

 

           

Highlights of Independent Living 2005     In pictures

   

   

In order to overcome this he designed a photo frame holder into which pictures of the person whose number is required can be inserted.

   

The user simply has to tap the photo or the holder in order to dial the correct number.

   

He says it has the added advantage of working with an existing phone, avoiding the need to learn to use a new handset.

Over 65--that's a big market of folks.  Making technology work for them is a pretty cool idea.