Client: (New technology company based at York University Science Park)

Design and Manufacture: D. G. Brooks Design Associates (On-going)

The client’s commission required a design that would act as a test vehicle to showcase state- of- the- art technologies being developed in the research area of ‘sensory perception and the user interface’. A ‘user centred design’ approach is a speciality of D. G. Brooks Design Associates.

User centred design is conducted within the context of what people need, want, desire, and are entitled to, a user centred inclusive design approach describes a process whereby designers, manufacturers and service providers ensure that their products and services address the needs of the widest possible audience. It also aims to include the needs of people who are currently excluded from, or marginalised by, mainstream design practices, due to age or disability or changing technologies and work patterns. It links directly to the concept of the inclusive society and its importance is increasingly being recognised, not just by governments as a focus for social equity, but by business and industry as a tool for commercial growth.

Inclusive design is not a specialist genre of design, but a strategy that can be employed to improve the quality and usability of products, services, buildings and communications. A key factor is the emphasis placed on working with specific groups of users facing design exclusion, including new emerging start- up companies with few resources but potentially very commercial and innovative ideas. A user centred design approach is therefore a route to innovation and successful new product development. Key drivers are the rapid ageing of populations, and the need to include disabled and older people in the mainstream of society, both of which are supported by a growing body of legislation and UN declarations.