The focus for the project was fire safety in the home for consumers of all ages but particularly for those with sight, mobility or dexterity problems. Help the Aged estimates that on average, more than 50 per cent of all fatalities in accidental household fires each year occur among the over 60s. They suggest that this will increase when over half of Europe’s adult population in 2020 will be classified as old, and will desire to maintain independence in their own home. Matter explored domestic fire safety products currently available, with a range of users, concluding that all products marketed today are complex, intimidating and difficult to use at a time of extreme stress. Not to mention that the majority of such products are so ugly that they are stored in inappropriate locations to avoid being visible. Their design for a lightweight fire extinguisher was aimed at a mainstream market but has the necessary inclusive features for older and disabled consumers.
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Fire safety, fire extinguishers,older consumers, independent living, ergonomics.
Design a mainstream product, service, environment, print, on-line or other communication which deliberately includes the needs and aspirations of currently excluded groups of people.
