Accessibility Product Development; user-led bathroom design

Nikki Holliday

Coventry University

Following the trend in the UK towards an ageing population, there is an increased need for improved community and home healthcare. Product development in this market must therefore change and focus on the end user needs in order for companies to operate effectively and commpetitively. Recognition of this sector change has led to the Bristan Group recently launching its iD range of products aimed at providing stylish bathroom products which are accessible to all.

In order to implement the new range effectively, Coventry University’s Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI) is working with Bristan’s product development and marketing teams to conduct a usability assessment of the company’s existing model of walk-in bath alongside a brand new design. The objectives of this study are to ensure the limitations of the current design are fully understood from the user’s perspective and to inform the development of the new bath range, ensuring it is fit-for-purpose.

The current Bristan walk-in bath is targeted at the older and less able population but is felt to incorporate several design weaknesses.  The new design is currently being developed in collaboration with HDTI to address these issues. The usability evaluation consists of six older people and their carers being shown the two baths in HDTI’s purpose-built mock up area, allowing participants the opportunity to experience the walk-in baths ‘dry’, and giving them the opportunity to evaluate the products’ fixtures and fittings.

The objective of the study is to gain information from the participants regarding how the bath’s fixtures and fittings are likely to be used, the positioning of the grab bars, how they would use the bath, whether they would feel safe and comfortable using the bath, and whether they feel the bath would allow greater independence when bathing. Finally, participants will also be asked to compare the two products to see if the new design holds real advantage over the former in terms of usability, safety, comfort and independence.

This information will be used to inform the product design before a full promotional marketing campaign commences to ensure the bath is suitable to the market it has been designed for, and that the potential end users will be able to use the bath effectively and with the maximum independence when doing so.

The presentation will focus on the key learning through the process of the study; product development with end user engagement; the importance of user input to the manufacturer; and how this new method of product development can be best utilised in the growing home care market.