One for all

Have you ever got lost in the menu system of a technical product, or had difficulty plugging a cable into the back of your television? Have you struggled to pull the 'pull tab' on a packet of ham, or to open tough plastic packaging? If so, you are not alone.

These are just a few examples of products that are challenging to use, even for people who are relatively young and fit. Just imagine how frustrating they would be for people who are older or have disabilities.

In the UK, 8.6 million people are registered disabled, and by 2020 it is estimated that half of the adult population will be over 50. Older and disabled people present an important, growing and lucrative market. Yet their needs are often overlooked by younger and fitter designers.

Failing to account for this diversity in customers' ability levels and experience can result in products that are unnecessarily frustrating, difficult or even impossible to use by large sections of the population.