Universal design: solutions for a barrier-free living

"Simple, clear, intelligent: the demographic shift brought on by modernity called for and facilitated a new understanding of design. The most critical and social stratum with the most money to spend, the "50+" generation, expects new standards in design and architecture that merge aesthetics, ergonomics, comfort, and bold lines. This is no longer about specific solutions for the few, but about making life comfortable for all: clear menus, spacious rooms and sizeable objects that are easy to use." "Oliver Herwig's book provides design-related and socially conscious answers for designers and architects, for decision-makers and companies, for everyone interested in addressing the needs of this discerning target group on a long-term basis. It examines the personal situation of an ever-aging generation from head to toe and introduces design strategies, product innovations, and architectural solutions for a barrier-free world, which would benefit everyone."--Jacket.

"Translation from German into English: Laura Bruce"--Colophon.

My five hypotheses -- I. Universal design means design for everyone : Youth commodities and elderly products : arriving at the "quality of life": terminology ; Anything but old: a user's perspective ; The small universe: an observation of universal design classics / Gerrit Terstiege -- II. On using the users' perspective : Age as an economic factor or: comfort for everyone ; Gold rush mood in the Japanese silver market ; The fluke: the Porsche Cayenne: comfort for all -- Many small steps / interview with Mathias Knigge -- Universal design in practice: geared to age from head to foot : Seventy overnight: shopping in an age simulation suit ; An eye for an eye, an ear for an ear ; Smart home: intelligence in objects -- Eye : New user interfaces, new interactive systems ; Orientation systems: disorientation systems: written typeface and symbols in the age of universal use ; Helpful signs ; Losing the way in the forest of signs ; The future will be a challenge / interview with Ursula Wangler and Frank Abele -- Ear : Modern crossover: glasses that hear ; Size alone does not matter: mobile phones on the road to becoming an ergonomic product ; Removing barriers, challenging users / interv…