Human Factors and Diversity in Design

Human Factors and Varied Abilities

• This section explores how human diversity and cultural elements influence design, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility.
• Objectives: Understand human diversity, its connection to anthropology, and cultural characteristics' impact. Recognize design considerations influenced by global market trends, visual culture, spiritual dimensions, and religious needs.

Anthropology and Human Diversity

• Key Focus Areas: Global market, spirituality and culture, gender differences, generational differences (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, GenXers, Millennials), physical differences, and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
• Generational Differences: Traditionalists value stability and tradition; Baby Boomers emphasize individualism and accomplishment; GenXers are independent and resourceful; Millennials are technology-driven and collaborative.

Diversity in Communication

• Recognize variations in verbal and nonverbal communication preferences.

Bariatrics

• Design spaces, furniture, and environments to accommodate individuals with larger body sizes, emphasizing comfort, safety, and accessibility.

Cultural Differences in the Office Environment

• Cultural diversity impacts office layout and functionality.
• Design elements should respect varied cultural preferences and norms.

Sensory Differences

• Distance Receptors: Enable perception from afar.
• Visual Experience: Importance of lighting and visual aesthetics.

Hearing and Speaking

• Acoustic considerations and the incorporation of pleasant, culturally sensitive scents.

Global Design Considerations

• Visual Culture: Influence of global visual trends and representation.
• Spiritual Dimensions: Designing with religious practices and spiritual needs in mind.

Religious Practices

• Design considerations for ceremonial artifacts, like Torahs, menorahs, and prayer spaces.
• Accommodation for varying religious practices.

Comparative Design Examples

• European wall construction: Emphasizing insulation and solidarity.
• Japanese shoji screens: Focusing on light diffusion and adaptability.
• European floor plans: Often compartmentalized and formal.
• Japanese floor plans: Frequently open and harmonious.

Conclusion

• Inclusive design is necessary, considering cultural, spiritual, and physical factors.
• Interior designs should be functional, welcoming, and globally relevant.

Human Factors and the Elderly

• Objectives: Understand how age affects human factors in design, explore gender differences, address concerns related to physical immobility, visual and hearing impairments., and highlight the importance of providing inclusive environments.
• Key Topics:
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Basic daily tasks.
  • Gender Differences: Women are more susceptible to certain health issues like fractures, osteoporosis, back problems, and depression.
  • Four-Stage Life Span: Impacts on physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
  • Age-Related Changes: Conditions like arthritis, mobility issues, and reliance on assistive devices.
  • Physical Limitations: Emphasize on mobility considerations.
• Environmental Design Features:
  • Mobility and Accessibility (handrails, grab bars, adjustable furniture, etc.)

Visual Limitations

• Common conditions: Cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration.
• Design considerations: Avoid contrast glare and veiling reflections to reduce discomfort.

Hearing Limitations

• Presbycusis, tinnitus.
• Design for clear acoustics minimized background noise.

Cognitive Limitations

• Conditions like dyslexia, dementia, and Alzheimer's.

Rehabilitation Services

• Collaboration with occupational therapists (OTs), to ensure ergonomic and functional design.

Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors

• Cultural beliefs impact communal living and privacy expectations.
• Socioeconomic factors influence access to quality care and adaptive environments.

Psychological Concerns

• Address issues of privacy, crowding, and psychological well-being in elderly environments.

Inclusive Design

• Adherence to ADA standards for accessibility. Ensure environments are functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Human Factors and Children

• Objectives: Understand developmental stages and variations, explore gender differences, discuss conditions like autism and muscular dystrophy, and differentiate between universal design and ADA compliance for children across age groups.
• Key Topics: Childhood and Developmental Needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Anthropometric Data, Developmental Stages (Sensorimotor, Preoperational), Concrete Operational, Formal Operational, Gender Differences, Special Needs Accommodations (Dyslexia, ADHD, Diabetes, Autism).

Human Factors and Environmental Considerations

• Objectives: Define threat categories, differentiate between sound and noise, and identify their effects.
• Key Topics: Intangible Factors: Acoustics, Indoor Air Quality, Color, Illumination, Environmental Threats, Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical, Chemical, Infectious Threats.
• Focus on the impact of design and environmental factors on user health and safety.

Perception and Sensory Systems

• Describe the Perception Process (initial contact, transduction, neural processing, recognition).
• Auditory Dimensions: Noise vs. productive sounds, psychological factors, vibrations.
• Olfactory Dimensions: Sources of indoor pollution, health effects (VOCs, SBS), Design Solutions (eco-friendly materials, ventilation).
• Illumination: Importance of contrast ratios for visibility, physiological and psychological impacts (circadian, seasonal).
• Daylighting: Natural light integration's benefits on mood and energy.
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): Quality of light for accurate color perception.

Human Factors in Residential Environments

• Objectives: Understand the home's concept, apply human factors to residential environments emphasizing functionality and inclusivity.
• Key Topics: The Concept of Home, Spatial Needs (retrofitting vs. new construction), barrier free designs, essential key residential spaces (kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms), aging in place considerations.

Principles of Inclusive Design

• Future Proofing
• Ease of Navigation

This quiz delves into the influence of human diversity and cultural elements on design, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. It covers key factors such as generational differences, communication variations, and the impact of global trends on design considerations.