CRC Press

Universal and accessible design for products, services, and processes.

If buildings should not have stairs that keep people out, why should products have features that bar users from being able to use them? Erlandson (electrical and computer engineering and bioengineering, Wayne State U.) notes that global competition and ethics, not to mention the laws of many nations, mandate engineering products, processes and services to suit as many people as possible, regardless of their physicality. Focusing on recent research about the nature of disability and the ethics of universal and accessible design, Erlandson makes clear distinctions amongst universal, accessible and adaptable design, describes disability and disability laws and how they relate to accessible design, gives examples of universal design principles and strategies, and explains such concepts as ergonomic and cognitive soundness, perceptibility, flexibility, error-proofing, efficiency, stability, predictability, equitable treatment, and ethics. He includes information specific to the Wen and to social and political perspectives on universal and accessible design. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)