It is often the familiarity of everyday domestic appliances which obscures the shortcomings in the way they operate. The physical interfaces of such products as vacuum cleaners, kettles and washing machines remain unchanged and unyielding to older users in particular, while newer product categories afford much easier interaction.
This applied research study investigates new ways to communicate the product functions of Dyson vacuum cleaners to older users; more than a quarter of Dyson’s customers are aged 55 and over and through this project Dyson Research has a new map for future development of new features to aid older users. Many of the findings are much more widely applicable. Product communication audits, ethnographic and other research findings were mapped against a parallel investigation of automotive interface issues to produce a set of guidelines for inclusive design.
A series of design proposals then showed how audio and textural sensory devices can be incorporated to improve ease of use of domestic appliances for all. Concepts include polymers which change colour when appliances get hot, sound reeds which emit audio signals and buttons that deploy textural contrasts and vibration in use.
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Domestic appliances, vacuum cleaners, older users, inclusive design, sensory feedback, physical product interface
