Physical accessibility guidelines of consumer product controls.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Product Design
• Accessibility Research

Background:

• Consumer product controls (CPCs) design lacks comprehensive accessibility data, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
• Existing research primarily addresses general population accessibility, with limited focus on specific user needs.
• Electronic device usability is significantly impacted by the physical design of their controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on the physical design of consumer product controls (CPCs).
• To identify and compile information relevant to the accessibility of electronic device controls.
• To develop practical design guidelines for improving CPC accessibility.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Information was gathered on CPC design elements including size, force, and feedback mechanisms.
• Data on accessibility for both general and specific populations was analyzed.

Main Results:

• A scarcity of studies specifically addressing CPC accessibility for people with disabilities was identified.
• Extensive information on general population accessibility for CPCs was compiled.
• Developed control guidelines encompass application, design, size, force, switch travel, feedback, spacing, and activation direction.

Conclusions:

• The developed control guidelines provide valuable information for electronic consumer product designers.
• Researchers in product accessibility can utilize these findings to inform future studies.
• Clinicians involved in equipment modification for specific user groups may also benefit from these guidelines.