Research on Inclusive Design of Kitchen Products for Aging Populations Based on Universal Design Principles

Wen Jiang

doi:10.54097/rt2dgx33

Authors

Wen Jiang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/rt2dgx33

Keywords:

Universal Design Principles, Inclusive Kitchen Product Design, Aging Populations, Design Framework, Multi-Generational Households

Abstract

An ageing population is a demographic trend of the twenty-first century, with a kitchen being recognized as a key setting in successful aging in place. Traditional kitchen products may have not been effective in helping the elderly due to a lack of personalization or stereotyping involved in the design process. This study proposes an approach towards developing an efficient tool for applying the principles of universal design into kitchen products designed for elderly people through implementing a multi-method approach, comprising four interconnected stages: user research, analytical synthesis, design practice, and systematic evaluation. Semi-structured interviews and contextual observations were conducted among 20 elderly individuals and 10 of their relatives living in urban areas in China. Qualitative data collected via semi-structured interviews and contextual observation were then analyzed in accordance with hierarchical task analysis combined with user journey mapping techniques in order to reveal the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of product usage.In conclusion, an Inclusive Kitchen Product Design Framework has been developed, showing how the principles of universal design should be applied across three interacting levels of physical, interactive, and emotional experience. Three different kitchen product concepts were created as a proof of concept for the Inclusive Kitchen Product Design Framework: an inclusive induction cooktop, a lift-assisted storage system, and a multi-grip electric kettle. According to a formula combining interactions between the seven principles, their design solutions received composite inclusive design scores of 3.87, 4.12, and 3.65, respectively. It can be concluded that interactions between the seven principles do not simply add but multiply, with cross-level interactions providing greater value compared to being superior in all levels.

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