| Better Tools for Everyday Tasks |
Products with universal design features
|
Compare design
features in the two columns below.
Which product do you prefer to use?
| Item | Traditional Design | Universal Design |
| Products for bathroom | ||
| toilet tissue holder | two hands and coordination are required to remove spring and replace roll of toilet paper | roll is snapped into place using one hand |
| shampoo/soap dispenser | both hands are needed to open and hold bottles | soap is dispensed with push of a button; removes clutter |
| Products for living /sleeping areas | ||
| remote | buttons are small; labels are difficult to see | large buttons with good contrast are easy to distinguish by sight or touch |
| night light | control may be hard to reach or operate, especially from seated positions | can be turned off by touch; can be located within easy reach |
| Kitchen tools | ||
| measuring cups and spoons | thin metal handles are difficult to grip; markings are difficult to see | easy to grip, large plastic handles; large markings with good contrast are easy to see |
| vegetable peeler and paring knife | small metal/wood handle is uncomfortable to grip | handle with soft cushioned grip fits hand better |
| Cleaning tools | ||
| duster | short handle limits reach | handle extends to reach all areas |
| dustpan | short handle; person must bend to use | long handle eliminates bending |
| Home office products | ||
| phone | large receiver is difficult to hold; small buttons are difficult to see and push | handle fits hand; large easy-to-read numbers and large buttons; memory for personal & emergency numbers; amplified volume option |
| staple remover | pinch fingers together to use | staple is removed with one easy motion |
| scissors | hand strength is required to open and close blades; handles have small finger holes with no cushion | spring action reduces hand strength needed to opens blades; large handles have cushion grips; use with either hand |
| pen | straight, hard plastic handle difficult and uncomfortable to grip |
curved and cushioned grip makes writing more comfortable |
| calculator | numbers are small and difficult to see; buttons are small and close together | large buttons are easier to push, large numbers on a flip up display are easier to see |
| wall clock | small numbers with low contrast are difficult to see | bold black numbers and hands on white background are easier to see |
| Outdoor tools | ||
| garden trowel | wood handle uncomfortable to grip; becomes slippery, rough, and splintered with use | handle with cushioned grip; non-slip material is more comfortable to use |
| rain gauge | small numbers with no contrast are difficult to read | large numbers and bright colored float are easily read from a distance |
| hose connector | small and difficult to grasp | large comfort grip allows use of whole hand to tighten connection |
| rake | straight wood handle is uncomfortable to grip; causes back strain | adjustable height, angled handle with cushion grips provides better body fit; reduces strain |
Iowa State University Extension has not endorsed, recommended, nor certified any of these commercial products or devices as safe or effective. Other companies provide similar products. Product information and price quotes in this exhibit are subject to change.
For Information on:
|
Contact: ISU Answerline: 1-800-262-3804 Voice 1-800-854-1658 TDD or Iowa AgrAbility Project |
HDFS-H-305 Rev.
July, 1999
| Prepared by Laura Werner, Program Specialist, Rachel Huntoon, Program Specialist, and Mary H. Yearns, Associate Professor and Extension Housing Specialist, Department of Human Development and Family Studies. |
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