Accessible design addresses the needs of older persons and persons with disabilities. It focuses on the principles of extending standard designs for use by people with some type of performance limitation to maximize the number of potential customers who can readily use a product, building, or service. Dissemination of accessible design is a global interest in the 21st century which can be characterized as below. (1)Trend of ageing The survey "Population Ageing 2006" conducted by the United Nation in 228 countries shows the worldwide trend of ageing. In 2006, 688 million people in the world were 60 years or older, and by 2050 almost two billion people will be 60 years or over. (2)Social participation of physically handicapped people "The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" was adopted by the United Nations and became effective in May 2008. Special remarks are given in the convention to promote universal⁄accessible design as follows: ··· undertake or promote research on and development of universally designed goods, services, equipment, and facilities. In the light of the increase in the older population and promotion of the human rights for physically handicapped people, accessible design needs to be taken into consideration by manufacturers in every field.
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