projects

brief 1
1/ Look at one domestic appliance that you find difficult to operate.
2/ Go through the process of operation and identify where the stumbling block is (use the instruction manual if necessary).
3/ Redesign that part of the appliance to allow the following people to operate it: a) you b) your parents c) a visually impaired person d) a 10 year old e) a 75 year old.

brief 2
1/ Document different operation icons/pictograms that can be found on appliances and compare them with each other in terms of clarity. Get various people's reactions (younger, older, men, women, British and non-British).
2/ Choose three of those icons, and compare how the design differs from each other on five different makes of the same type of appliance.
3/ Analysing the above, come up with the ultimate solution/icon/pictogram for those three type of operation.

brief 3
1/ Pick one type of domestic appliance (e.g. kettle, fridge, cooker, hair dryer etc) and document the different functions for five different brands.
2/ Select three functions and rate each brand for usability (scale of one to five) if the appliance is to be used by the following: a) you b) your mother c) your father d) a visually impaired person e) a 10 year old f) a 75 year old.
3/ Pick one function and design a solution that can be used by all of these users.

brief 4
1/ Investigate the effect of ageing on sense of touch, sight and hearing.
2/ Pick one type of domestic appliance (e.g. kettle, fridge, cooker, hair dryer etc) and document its different functions.
3/ Redesign five functions so they can be used by a 75 year old without needing the manual.