Dyson Research, the research and development arm of Dyson Appliances, is part of a company that is renowned worldwide for innovation in the area of domestic products. Dyson, inventor and manufacturer of the Dyson Dual Cyclone vacuum cleaner, launched its first product - the DC01 - in 1993. Dyson cleaners are now the best sellers in the UK and are sold in 18 countries around the world. Since then, the company has added a long list of ground-breaking products, including the world's first contra-rotating washing machine.

More than a quarter of Dyson's customers are aged 55 and over, which explains the company's interest in the behaviour and needs of older users. This project was important in generating a set of inclusive design guidelines to direct Dyson future product development aimed at the widest range of age and ability.