2014 Volume 57 Issue 8 Pages 539-547
As older people among the population increase rapidly and social awareness of human rights of people with disabilities continues to improve, needs have strengthened for products, services, and environments that are "accessible" for all people irrespective of their age or disability. To meet those needs, products must be re-designed so that they match user characteristics and abilities. This article introduces a "Database of sensory characteristics of older persons and persons with disabilities", constructed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) for product design. The database is freely available to the public on the Internet. This database also provides tools for using a series of Japanese Industrial Standards, "Guidelines for older persons and persons with disabilities". Since its establishment in August 2013, the database has been used by engineers and designers of manufacturers who are interested in developing accessibly designed products, services, and environments.
