Exploring inclusion and accessibility: The design process as a user/expert

Schneider, Sheila

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/49408 Copy

Description

Title

Exploring inclusion and accessibility: The design process as a user/expert

Author(s)

Schneider, Sheila

Issue Date

2014-05-30T16:42:29Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

McDonagh, Deana C.

Department of Study

Art & Design

Discipline

Art and Design

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.F.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• User/expert
• design
• Accessibility
• inclusion
• restrooms

Abstract

This is an in-depth study exploring accessibility and inclusion in airport restroom facilities and the design process as a user/expert. Industrial design and several of the design processes including the generic, user-centered, and empathic approaches are discussed, as is the history and definition of the user/expert. Research was conducted by a user/expert who is legally blind to discover areas of opportunity where design could provide solutions to the many problems unearthed. After locating the areas of opportunity, concepts were generated, selected, and eventually refined to provide viable solutions to aid in imparting the most independent travel experience for people who are legally blind/blind. Additionally, the user/expert/designer determined the best manner in which the user/expert can provide information to the design team about their lived experience and material landscape. The results of this research presents a new design process model for future design teams to work together with user/experts to gain new knowledge into the user experience and provide more viable outcomes as design solutions to the user/expert’s specific problems.

Graduation Semester

2014-05

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49408

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2014 Sheila Schneider

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