Consumer Rights and Responsibilities PDF

Consumer: - a person who buys a PRODUCT or SERVICE for personal use - Need: we have to have - Want: we don’t need it but we feel the need. Market segmentation: groups of people are divided into smaller groups as they have the same needs and desires for products and services. Segmentation:...

Consumer: - a person who buys a PRODUCT or SERVICE for personal use - Need: we have to have - Want: we don’t need it but we feel the need. Market segmentation: groups of people are divided into smaller groups as they have the same needs and desires for products and services. Segmentation: to divide into parts! Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs: Physiological: - order to survive - Majority of people on earth are on this level (1) Safety & security: - things that we need to be protected Social needs: - socialise - Meet with friends and family - Love and affection - Belonging and acceptance - Relationships Esteem: - respect and appreciation - Reputation - Status recognition Self- actualization: - highest level - To do with money - You want the most expensive to feel good - be the best Consumer rights: The right to be heard - heard on issues - Policies - Plans - That concern you The right to be informed and - Place of purchase needs to give protected against deceitful and necessary info misleading practices - About product or service The right to safety and protection - Safe from hazardous goods or services - No danger to anyone The right to choose and have - Suits your needs access to a variety of products and - Personal taste services The right to redress, replace, repair - right to demand or refunds for inferior quality - Be fair and honest products and services The right to consumer education - responsibility lies with you - Consumer affairs The right to satisfaction basic needs - access - Written in SA Constitution The following Consumer Rights are entrenched in the South African Constitution and Law: The right to quality can be demanded The Right to be charged fair prices relation to the quality of products and se The Right to be a minority consumer low income group without disadvantage The Right to receive courteous and right to be treated with respect and dignity respectful treatment Consumer responsibility: The Responsibility to follow rules and laws of society and the country regulations The Responsibility to honour your expected to pay for something commitments The Responsibility to be honest honest in all your dealings with any company The Responsibility to act ethically good moral value system The Responsibility to think Be aware independently and to make decisions based on real needs and wants The Responsibility to be well informed check your prices Read labels and instruction The Responsibility to air your views complain so that the business is aware and complaints The Responsibility to be polite and fair be polite and fair The Responsibility to be careful with not to damage goods all goods The Responsibility to keep to a budget spending plan The Responsibility to keep a record of keep track of money all expenses The Responsibility to save money for set money aside emergencies The Responsibility to preserve the look after environment natural environment Decision making: - spur of the moment = impulse - Habitual = everyday - Intuitive = instinct - Rational = logical Steps in decision making: 1. Recognise problem or need 2. Search for info 3. Consider all alternatives 4. Choose one of the alternatives 5. Analyse and accept the consequences of your decision Sustainability: - social - Environmental - Economical Sustainability consumption: The use of goods and services to satisfy basic human needs while reducing harmful effects on the environment and natural resources. Meets the needs of present and future generations for goods and services towards an economically, socially and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Principles - zero carbon = climate change - Zero waste = pollution and disposal problems - Sustainable transport = climate change and pollution - Local and sustainable materials = natural resource from renewable resources - Local and sustainable food = low meat consumption and grow local food - Sustainable water usage = limit - Natural habitats and wildlife = protect - Culture and heritage = preserve - Equity and fair trade = fairness through legislation - Health and happiness = better lifestyle + happiness Reduce Reuse Recycle Sustainable consumption decisions: needs to make purchasing decisions and choices that have the least impact on the environment. Good buying habits: good buying habits contribute to consumer responsibility and sustainability. Proudly South African campaign: - 2001 - The aim is to boost creation and pride in our local products. - Membership is not restricted and any company or institution may be eligible to join the Campaign provided they meet the Campaign’s membership criteria - When supporting: 1. You are assured of quality 2. You make a worthwhile contribution to help build the South African economy 3. Fair Labour Practices,new employment keeping money in the country. 4. Indirectly, poverty, crime and disease is reduced. 5. The company must consider the environment during the production processes. 6. At Least 50% of the production costs must have been cured in South Africa Types of outlets: Wholesalers: - Distributors - Goods received from manufacturer in bulk then sold at retail at a mark-up - Goods in smaller quantities - Sometimes sold at discount prices after mark-up Hyper market: - Department store and supermarket - Largest - Wide variety - Customer is satisfied in one trip - Near main roads Supermarkets: - Self-service store - Wide variety of food and household items - Made up of different apartments - Shoppers use trolleys or baskets - Usually belong to a large chain - Accept card and cash Department store: - Durable goods to satisfy needs - Own range of goods - Subdivided - Own pay point - Exchange and different sources Chain stores: - Group of outlets which belong to a company or business - Department stores - Found in towns and suburbs - Head of office does buying - Offer large quantities - Offer accounts and credit Speciality stores: - Usually small - Specialise in one type of item - Price medium to high range - Chain stores offer lower prices - Customers don't mind - Extra services offered General dealers: - Common in smaller towns - Franchise - Owner manages goods - Franchises can benefit from reduced prices on goods and combined advertising. Convenience stores - Cafes - Found at petrol stations - Off street parking and pedestrian - Extended hours - Customers can use incase of emergency Discount stores: - Factory stores - Products are cheaper - Self Service and found in low rental areas - Buy in bulk - Foods can be damaged or poor quality Flea markets: - Found all over the world - Good mass produced - Second- hand items or knock offs - Popular goods sold - Food is sold - No overheads -> lower prices - hygiene standards and prices vary Online shopping: - buy from all over the world - Any product - Most stores have online - Website - Deliveries - Method is time saving - Quickly sourced - Transactions take few seconds - Check that company has good reputation - Keep records Mail order: - Goods advertised - Adverts can be ordered by the consumer - company must be a member of the South African Direct Marketing Association ( SADMA) - Check return policy - Deal with companies that will offer money-back guarantee - Always fill in forms carefully AIDA Model: Attention: - catch your eye - Colour, illustrations, catchphrases, words, bold headlines and music. Interest: - interest aroused - Advertisement - Find out more Desire: - convinced by advert and desire - The product will satisfy needs Action: - Need becomes more important - Take action and buy Influence: Adverts: - influence consumer to make decision Packing and labelling: Provide vital information Types: - Speciality: promotes image - Reusable: a free container - Multiple packaging: two products combined for one - Family packaging Food and nutrition: Religion: Islam: - Muslim faith - Halaal food - Food must be prepared under certain conditions - Animal must be slaughtered in specific way - Pork and Alcohol are forbidden - Ramadan: Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. - Dishes : Fish, breyani, fruit punches, milk-based beverage - Eid is the most important celebration in the Muslim calendar. Eid marks the end of Ramadan (month of fasting by not eating or drinking between dawn and sunset). Judaism: - Jewish people - Kosher - Blessed and prepared under certain conditions. - Ritual slaughter and blood of meat must be drained - Orthodox Jews do not eat pork, ham, bacon, shellfish and animal gelatine. - Meat and dairy products may not be eaten together - Jewish holy day is the Sabbath from sunset of Friday to sunset on Saturday and celebrated with a special meal on Friday evening. Christianity: - Eat any type of food. - Celebrations are Easter and Christmas. - Some Christians give up certain foods during Lent (40 days before Easter). - Christians take bread and wine in the celebration of the Holy Communion. - Holy Communion: Bread (body) and wine (blood) - Catholics have fish rather than meat on Fridays. - Easter: pickled fish. Hinduism: - Eat no beef or pork. - Cows are seen as sacred animals, that should not be killed, therefore do not eat meat, only used to plough the land. - Do not eat pork, as they regard pigs as unclean. - Mostly vegetarians. - They do eat dairy products - Most Hindus do not drink alcohol - Important Hindu celebration is Diwali where they eat sweet treats. Rastafariansim: - Devoted Rastafarians are vegetarians - Eat only food that is Ital, meaning completely natural and has never touched chemicals. - Food is served in the rawest form possible without salts, preservatives or condiments. Buddhism: - Mostly vegetarians - Believe animals should not be harmed - Do sometimes eat meat and fish for cultural and health reasons. Factors that influence food practices Religion - Religious beliefs with specific rules about what may and may not be eaten. Culture and tradition - Cultural groups provide guidelines about food, food combinations, eating patterns and eating behaviour. Socio-economic status/class - Individual’s or family’s place in society based on income, education and occupation. - Money available Social influences - Family and social groups Influence of emotional and psychological needs - Reasons why we eat can be influenced by our emotions Attitudes and Individual/ Personal Preferences - Patterns - Likes and dislikes Education Advertising, magazines, movies and television - Influenced by messages from the media Environmental factors / concerns - Climate - Local foods Definitions: Nutrition: The process of nourishing or being nourished The absorption and use of food and nutrients by the body. Malnutrition: Poor nutrition caused by an insufficient, over sufficient, or poorly balanced diet or by a medical condition Nutrients: Chemical elements in food that are essential for certain functions in our body. Provides nourishment for growth or metabolism. Specific functions in the body. Diet: All foods eaten during the day. Balanced diet: Contains the correct quantities of nutrients, from all the basic food groups for healthy growth and activity. Balanced meal: contains food from all the food groups to provide variety of nutrients to the body Meal pattern: The number of meals eaten per day and the foods served during each of the meals. Meal plan: A plan that accounts for all the foods eaten during a specific time interval: a day, a week or longer. Purpose: to be able to evaluate what, and how much, was eaten over a certain time period. Menu: Specific foods or dishes that will be eaten during a meal. Typically planned for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A list of the dishes to be served or available for a specific meal. Variety Food groups: Grains - Eat mostly WHOLE grains (unrefined) - Provide Carbohydrates, B vitamins, Folic Acid and Iron Vegetables - Eat a variety: different types - Provide Vitamins, Minerals, Fibre Fruit - Eat fresh (raw & unprocessed, where possible) - Eat a variety - Provide Vitamins, Minerals and Fibre Milk & milk products - Milk, cheese, yoghurt (NOT ice-cream & butter) - Provide Calcium and Protein Meat & beans - Beef, lamb, pork, chicken, eggs, fish, legumes (Variety) - Choose low-fat options, if possible - NOT fried - Controlled portions Approx. 150 -180 g per day - Provide Protein Fats & oils - reduced intake, but do not cut out (Less than 30% of total dietary intake) - Provide body with essential fatty acids, Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, & K and Unsaturated fats Water - 70% of body content - use clean & safe, Uncarbonated - 6-8 portions Protein: Functions: Build new body muscle cells Repair and maintain tissue cells Maintain body functions Provide energy Build haemoglobin Assist in the formation of antibodies Excess stored as fat Sources: Animal sources: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk & milk products Plant sources: Legumes, beans, nuts Carbohydrates: Functions: Provide energy Fill you up / give bulk to your diet Cellulose ensure your digestive system works properly Provide heat Protein saving action- if there is enough carbohydrates in body little protein is used for energy Sources: Grains & grain products (rice; pasta; baked goods; porridge; breakfast cereal; etc.) Starchy vegetables (potatoes; sweet potatoes; etc.) Skin of fruit e.g. apple provides cellulose and fibre Fats & lipids: Functions: Provide energy to the body Protect the internal organs Contain the fat soluble vitamins – Vitamin A,D, E and K Provide essential fatty acids Sources: Butter; cream; fatty bacon Plant oils (canola; sunflower; olive; peanut) Margarine; mayonnaise; salad dressings Nuts Minerals: Calcium - Functions Build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Essential for blood clotting Also serves as a calcium bank, offering available calcium should the body need it. Works with Vitamin D and Phosphorus Important for pregnant women, growing children and older people. Calcium - Sources Sardines cooked with bones Milk Yoghurt Tofu Cheese Functions of Phosphorus Strong bones and teeth. Work with Calcium and Vitamin D. Helps maintain cells and tissues Works with Vitamin B - group Sources of Phosphorus Milk & milk products Meat, fish, chicken, eggs Functions of Iron Part of haemoglobin found in red blood cells -> carries oxygen in blood Part of myoglobin in muscles Forms a part of the enzymatic system Sources of Iron Animal sources: Lean red meat; game meat Liver Eggs – especially egg yolks Plant sources: Dried beans & dried fruits Fortified cereals Parsley Strawberries Water - functions Flushes toxins out of vital organs Nutrients to your cells Provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues All cells need water to function properly Transport of blood cells, nutrients and waste products. Acts as a lubricant for joints. Regulates body temperature. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration Water sources: Clean, safe water Also acceptable: Tea, coffee, juices & soft drinks (little sugar, low kilojoules; no caffeine, etc) Vitamins: Vitamin B: Important in metabolism (Releasing energy from food) Important in cell growth Found in: Fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy products. Leafy green vegetables, beans, and peas; fortified cereals and fortified breads Vitamin C: Powerful antioxidant Protects the body against disease Helps in healing of wounds Important in connective tissue Found in: fruit & vegetables: citrus, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens; fortified juices Vitamin A: Healthy eyes, mucous membranes and skin Found in: Yellow and orange vegetables, Liver, Full cream milk, cheese Vitamin D: Helps with absorption of calcium Builds strong bones & teeth Found in: Fortified margarine; liver; full-cream milk; sunshine produces vit D in the skin Vitamin E: Powerful antioxidant Healthy cell membranes Found in: Vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, seeds and Leafy greens Vitamin K: Helps with blood clotting Found in: Green vegetables and dark red berries Micro-organisms: Bacteria - temp Moulds - growth Yeast - cold temp Pathogenic: - Causes illness, disease or death - Not always easy to detect in food - Sometimes smell / slimy - Bacterial spores survive extreme heat and cold - Symptoms might include 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Diarrhoea 4. Stomach Cramps Acidity levels: - Acidity is measured in pH value - pH 7 is neutral - Most bacteria prefer a slightly acidic or neutral environment Contamination: - Animals & insects carry pests and are dirty - Keep animals and insects away from food - Correct packaging & storage - Cleanliness DANGER ZONE: Micro-organisms flourish in temperatures between 5°C to 60° C (danger zone) Cross-contamination: - Clean hands and containers and utensils - Separate raw and cooked Fabrics and fibres: Natural fibres: All cellulose fibres burn easily and will burn until only the ashes are left. Cotton: - found in the seed pods Desirable properties Undesirable properties Strong Can shrink Absorbs dyes well Not resilient Comfortable Durable Mildew will damage Does not pill Burns easily - Little balls on surface Good conductor of heat Difficult to iron No static electricity Resistant to alkalis & can be bleached Strong acids will destroy Linen: - Made from flax plant - Creases easily Desirable properties Undesirable properties Durable Can shrink Resistant to sunlight Difficult to iron Absorbs dyes well Not resilient Resistant to moths Mildew will damage Good conductor of heat Burns easily No static electricity Wool: - Lots of animals hair can be used - Short fibre Desirable properties Undesirable properties Flexible and elastic Sensitive to ordinary washing powders Warm and comfortable Weaker wet then dry Poor conductor of heat Very absorbent Turns yellow when dried in sun Resilient Protein fibre= attacked by moths and silverfish Silk: - excreted by the silkworm when it builds its cocoon. - rich, luxurious feel to it - Expensive Desirable properties Undesirable properties Has a sheen Decomposes in strong sunlight and atmospheric fumes Strong and abrasion resistant Stained by perspiration and body oils Absorbent and comfortable Requires special handling when Poor conductor of heat washing Very absorbent Never use chlorine bleach Does not build up static electricity Must be washed in lukewarm water or dry-cleaned. resilient will not shrink or stretch Regenerated Cellulose Fibres: Viscose rayon: - Made from wood pulp or cotton linters - chemical process - Forms thick syrup = viscous - Passes through spinnerets - Ryon can be environmentally friendly - Open loop = materials are recycled Desirable properties Undesirable properties Comfortable Not resilient and creases very badly Supple and drape well Not strong and can tear Cool to wear Poor abrasion resistant Absorbent Shrinks when washed No static electricity build up Highly flammable Lyocell: - pulp from hardwood trees - properties are almost the same as Cotton, Linen and Viscose. - easy to care for - can be made to resemble wool, cotton, viscose rayon and poly-silk blends, denim and suede Bamboo: - woody parts of the bamboo are crushed - Bamboo rayon feels and drapes like silk - Durable - Soft and non-irritating - very absorbent - wrinkle resistant - Used for summer wear and bed linen - can be tumble dried. Acetate Rayon: - rich silk-like appearance. Desirable properties Undesirable properties Comfortable to wear Not resilient Drapes well Not very strong Poor abrasion resistance Not absorbent Generates static electricity Heat-sensitive Harmed by sunlight Non Cellulosic Synthetic Fibres: Polyester: - Non-allegitic Desirable properties Undesirable properties Very strong Does not absorb water, so feels clammy Very elastic and keeps it shape well Builds up static electricity Will not shrink Forms little balls on the surface Can be heat set White in particular, absorbs oil Not be damaged by mildew and insects Mixes well Nylon: - Very strong, elastic and keeps shape well - resilient and wrinkle resistant Desirable properties Undesirable properties Strong Damaged by sunlight Very elastic and keeps its shape well Does not absorb moisture Builds up static electricity Resilient Form little balls on the surface White colours absorbs oil Turns yellow Acrylic: - created to replicate wool - will not shrink or stretch Desirable properties Undesirable properties Feels warm and soft Not very absorbent and builds up static electricity Fairly strong Damaged by washing High temperatures x Crease resistant Pills Will not shrink or stretch if washed in lukewarm water Not damaged by sunlight Can be heat treated Not be damaged by moths and mildew Blends: - Groups of fibres have both good and poor qualities, so fibres are often blended to make the best use of the good properties and so end up with a better fabric. Advantages: - Best properties combined - Cost -> reduced - Appearance -> improved Popular blends: - Polyester and cotton - Cotton and nylon - Wool and polyester Quality symbols: Label on the item informing you what its made of Hierarchy: Socio-economics: - Available money & cost of housing - Socio-economic status - How much can be spent regarding size, type, location. ❑ Low-income group ❑ Middle-income group ❑ High income group Cultural: - Culture often influences housing style - Expression of culture, e.g. Ndebele huts - Globalisation ▪ Traditional cultures adopt Western cultures ▪ New cultures included Types of housing: Free standing: - Suitable for single families - Separate house & private garden - Most expensive - Usually families with children. Free-standing full-title houses: - Lawful owner of whole property Free-standing sectional-title houses: - A unit/s as part of a whole is owned by an individual Townhouses: - Suitable for single families - Safety complex (or even access-controlled) - More security than in a free-standing - Levies ▪ Amount levied for communal services like street lights or garden services for the complex. Shacks: - Suitable for single families (often utilised by multi-families) - Easy to construct or move - Temporary or permanent residence - Often little or no infrastructure - Cheapest type of housing Condominiums: - Suitable for multi-families - Units owned or rented as sectional title: only living unit bought - Communal areas like gardens, pool, stairways - Usually in towns & cities where there is a shortage of housing - Ideal for students, single people or young working people just starting out. Flats: - Suitable for multi-families - High density housing: high occupancy for small area - Cheaper than sectional title flats - Mostly have good security or access control - Young married couples, working people, single people & students Factors of influence: Neighbourhood & communities: - closeness of schools, shopping centres, public transport, work & safety. Finances & location: ▪ Where housing is located / area ▪ Size of stand and housing ▪ Town / city ▪ Economy Housing site: - Stand & orientation of building on site - Orientation regarding sun, wind, view ▪ Position ▪ Better view = better value = higher price ▪ Facing North: warmer; South: cooler ▪ Trees block wind - Effective use of natural light, air-flow & heat ▪ How it fronts influences amount of natural light, temperature (less artificial light needed = save on electricity) Safety: - Safe & sound structure (good building materials & -techniques) - Little or no pollution (sound, air, water) - Good quality sanitation & water = healthy - Safe electrical connections Safety features of housing: ▪ Strong locks, outside doors, fences, windows, security gates & burglar bars ▪ Alarm system Functionality: - Suits needs of people living in it - Type of family & lifestyle - Socio-economical status - Activities and space in which activities need to take place 3 important aspects: Lay-out of rooms Space Storage space Layout: - Private areas: bedrooms & bathrooms - Work areas: kitchen, garage/s and study - Social areas: dining room, television room, braai room / lapa - Enough rooms to provide in everybody’s needs Space: - Need to privacy - Size of family (how many members) Activities ▪ personal ▪ household ▪ leisure Storages: - Size of family - Hoarders vs. non-sentimental personalities - Built-in cupboards offers more space than free-standing cupboards - Enough storage space makes environment inside house safe Family cycle: Design characteristics: Ergonomics Is the science of the worker and the work, the product and the user. It also involves the interaction of furniture and workplaces to fit the user Dimension: - Average human dimensions & capabilities - Consider size, length, age & limitations - Standard human dimensions - Size of room/ furniture : size of the person Dynamics: - Good posture & body movements while performing specific activities - Good posture = skeleton carries mass correctly - Gravity’s influence Posture: - Head, spine, hips should be aligned - Natural balance – spine in S shape - Hold head up straight  - Tuck chin in slightly Lengthen lower back - Tense abdominal muscles Keep weight slightly forward Posture & height: - Work surface height: standing, differs from when seated: 70-110cm. - Heavy work requires a slightly lower work surface (e.g. Kneading dough). - Counter surfaces should be approximately hip height - When working in a seated position: ▪ Hold head up straight ▪ Shoulders up and relaxed ▪ Spine in natural curve ▪ Chair must support posture ▪ Feet flat on the floor, knees same height as hips. General movements: - Natural range of motion for joints & muscles - Good blood circulation & flexibility - More comfort = better productivity Stretching & reaching: - Stand close to and in front of object - Do not reach or over-stretch muscles - Use a step / ladder to reach higher objects - Keep feet spaced apart to maintain balance - Ensure the object is not too heavy before picking it up. ▪ Max stretch to top: 1.85m - 2.10m ▪ Stretching forward: 1.30m - 1.45m Furniture: - Correct height, width for healthy posture - Standard measurements apply - Size of room and size of user - Placement: enough freedom of movement around furniture - Arranged functionally according to activities Design: - Type of work / activity, size of space, storage space, lighting, temperature & noise levels influences - Not too big or too small - Storage areas: reachable, arranged from items used most often to items used least often, built-in cupboards & drawers. - Make optimal use of natural light and temperature - Use quiet furniture - 20-24 °C most comfortable temperature to work in Universal: Aims to create products, buildings & environments that EVERYONE can use, irrespective of age, size or ability. Principles: - Equal use: useful to everybody, including people with diverse needs - Flexibility in use: variety individual preferences and abilities - Simple and deductive use: Easy to use or deduce use from design - Perceivable information: Transfer of information irrespective of environmental factors or senses. - Tolerance for error: Limiting danger and possible injuries - Low physical effort: Use of design does not lead to fatigue - Size & space: Suitable for use as well as approach Characteristics: Adaptability- Suitable for everybody, choosing how to use and comfortable Simplicity- Everybody understands, even children Safety features- Applicably safety measures considered Style - Tasteful and appropriate Individuality - Satisfies most needs Advantages: - Stylish & comfortable - Fulfils a variety of needs - Safe – prevents accidents - Supplies warnings - Easy access and control - Sustainable and functional – if from recycled materials - Suitable during all ages of life cycle, irrespective of changing needs Housing: - Knee space under wash basins & stoves for seated users - Covering from elements at entrances - Good lighting - Reachable cupboard handles - Adjustable height controls & grab rails in bathrooms - Curved corners of service counters - Avoid stairs at entrances - Large enough door openings - Accessible storage Interiors:  - Avoid glass surfaces - Touch sensitive lamps - Good colour contrast between work surfaces and edges - Adjustable cabinet shelves - Fabrics used for curtains and furnishings should be easy to clean Furniture: - Ultraviolet resistant furniture - Chairs that can be transformed into tables - Furniture requiring minimal maintenance - Cupboards with clear glass doors to be able to see what is inside - Storage shelves on rollers or spring mechanisms to make accessible Equipment & appliances: - Fridge & freezer next to each other, with pull-out drawers - Instruction -& user manuals - Universal remote controls - Reset function - Space allowances around appliances - Stop valve / emergency stop buttons - Infra-red remote controls Disabled: - Wheel chair - Limited sight, hearing or touch capacity - Aim: living an independent and comfortable life in safe and practical surroundings. Needs: Safety ▪ Heights & seizes ▪ Warning signs ▪ Support Practical ▪ Can carry out daily tasks Useable ▪ Accessible and reachable Design considerations: - Avoid stairs, rather build a ramp - Ramp: not to steep an incline & slip resistant finish - Good lighting – inside and outside - Automatic doors  - Covered entrance - Small shelves outside entrance on which items could be placed while opening door Doors: - Install wider doors - Use folding sliding doors to allow widest opening - Replace standard door hinges with swing-clear hinges - Levered handles are easier to open than knobs - Ensure all floors are level – no steps / difference in height / thresholds Rails and lifts: - Hand rails for support - Grab rails in bathrooms - Handrails in hallways and next to stairs - Lift or chair lift if housing is on two levels - Lift on tracks to move a person between rooms on one level Kitchen: - No obstructions on floor - Level floor - Lower work surface – about 80cm high - Rounded curves everywhere, including those of drawers - Knee space allowed under surfaces, stove & sink - Sink & stove accessible from seated height - Mirror positioned above stove to be able to see inside saucepans Sleep: - Privacy important - enough space – wheelchair needs to turn - Drawer/s in bedside table for easy access - Clothing rails inside cupboard lowered for access - Comfortable bed, firm mattress - Bed and wheelchair on equal height - Hand or grab on rails next to bed Social: - Even, unobstructed floor space - Enough space for freedom of movement and turning - Open-plan designs better than different rooms - Arrange furniture in groups – space for movement in between - Strong & stable furniture - Lower table height Bathroom: - Stable handrails (strengthen walls where attached) - Enough space to move & turn - Walk-in or roll-in shower - Seat in bath or shower - Toilet with adapted seat / lowered - Slip resistant surfaces and finishes - Mirror on height where it is useable - Taps positioned to allow access - Space under sink for knees Electrical: - Sufficient lighting inside and outdoors - Electrical outlets in accessible, convenient locations - Replace switches with pull cords where suitable - Double light switches – on/off on both sides of room - No loose extensions or electrical cords on the floor Storage: - Moveable or sliding units in storage spaces - Lowered storage / accessible - Handles easy to reach and operate - Drawers with drawer stops best option Interior: - Slip resistant flooring and finishes - Multi-functional furniture - Large, comfortable furniture – still easy to move when necessary - Fabrics & finishes: easy to clean, maintain & use Summary: - Socio-Economics: Housing choices depend on available money, cost, and socio-economic status, with different options for low, middle, and high-income groups. - Cultural Influence: Culture affects housing style, with globalization introducing new cultural elements into traditional designs. - Types of Housing: - Free-Standing Houses: Suitable for single families, most expensive, with variations in ownership (full-title vs. sectional-title).  - Townhouses: More secure than free-standing houses, with communal services covered by levies. - Shacks: Cheapest, easy to construct, often lack infrastructure. - Condominiums: Suitable for multi-families, with communal areas and often used by students or young professionals. - Flats: High-density, secure, cheaper than sectional title flats, ideal for young and single people. Factors Influencing Housing: -Neighborhood & Community: Proximity to schools, shopping, and public transport, safety considerations. - Finances & Location: Influences the size and quality of housing, determined by economic factors. - Housing Site: Positioning affects sunlight, wind, and value, with orientation playing a crucial role in natural light and temperature. - Safety: Ensuring the structural integrity and safety features of a home, including pollution control and quality sanitation. - Functionality: Housing must meet the needs of its occupants, considering layout, space, and storage requirements. - Family Cycle: Housing needs change with the family's life cycle. Design Characteristics: - Ergonomics: Designing workspaces to fit the user, emphasising posture, body movements, and furniture suitability. - Dimension: Consideration of average human dimensions and room size. - Dynamics: Focus on posture, height, and general movements to enhance comfort and productivity. - Universal Design: Creating environments usable by everyone, regardless of age or ability, with key principles including equal use, flexibility, and safety. Universal Design in Housing: -Interior & Furniture: Ensuring accessibility, with features like adjustable shelves, slip-resistant floors, and multifunctional furniture. - Adaptations for the Disabled: Designing spaces to accommodate wheelchairs, with features like ramps, wide doors, and lowered kitchen surfaces. - Safety and Practicality: Emphasising the importance of safe, practical, and accessible living environments for all users. This summary outlines the relationship between socio-economic factors, cultural influences, housing types, and design considerations, particularly emphasising the importance of ergonomics and universal design in creating functional, safe, and inclusive living spaces.