Inclusive Airport Navigation – Chapter 2.2: A Need For Inclusivity – Market Revolution

Looking at the previous findings in demographic structure and change, adapting to the new and emerging market of the elderly is not only a key element for future success but also a social and moral  obligation – if not for others, at least for our future selves.[1.]

“Older users are us – If you are over 50, you are classed as an older user. If you are under 50, you are on your way to becoming an older user. So, whatever your age, awareness of inclusive design and improvements in the design of everyday objects {and services} will benefit you.” [2.]

Using Felicia Huppert’s text ‘Designing for Older Users’ as a starting point, this chapter provides understanding for the users needs and problems they encounter. Summarising her findings the following points can be made:[3.]

Improvements in public health care, treatments of diseases and age related impairments have advanced at an astonishing level over the past decades. This has led to extended life expectancy, as well as better health at higher ages. Retirement ages are also increasing and result in people working for longer periods in their life and usually generating more wealth for themselves. The previous stereotyping of elderly people living in isolation and with a decreased standard of living is therefore not applicable anymore.

Further today’s social structures, family dynamics and career paths mean that lifestyles of elderly people are typically more active than ever before. Also multi generational families often require the elderly to look after children or give financial support. Higher divorce rates create more complex and bigger family structures giving more opportunities for social interaction.
Others might take a more self oriented approach and use their time for travelling or other activities they could not pursue as well whilst being part of the working population.

In whichever way the elderly approaches this new life chapter, fact is, that everyone goes through the process of ageing and that this demographic is growing to be a major part of the overall market share and users of products and services. Creating user friendly and inclusive solutions is the key for success.

“It is a mistake to think of the older user as a wheelchair user or as severely disabled, hard of hearing or partially sighted.”[4.]

Of course this does not mean that impairments making the use of mobility equipment – such as wheelchairs – necessary, or creating low vision don’t occur any more. It simply implies that the dynamics and demographic groups within the ‘User Pyramid’[5.] are shifting.

The User Pyramid

Also the severity and degree at which impairments are treatable nowadays changes their impact on the affected person’s life. This will change the nature of impairments and disabilities most commonly encountered within the lower parts of the pyramid. Understanding what special needs and requirements the design of products and services have to adapt to is essential.

“Successful inclusive design requires designers both to achieve an empathy with their potential users, and to have access to sufficient relevant human factors knowledge about their intended end-users’ needs, wants and abilities {…}” [6.]

With higher age comes a general decrease in physical and sensory capabilities. Muscle strength, flexibility and endurance as well as the abilities to hear, see, feel, smell and touch are affected and influence the capability to an independent lifestyle.

For this dissertation and the later analysis of airport navigation systems however, a focus on purely visual impairments is set.

Felicia Huppert summarises the types and effects of impairments especially affecting older users. She states[7.] that with older age increasingly illuminated environments are necessary for the users to see detail. Further decreased colour vision can be noted resulting in problems when differentiating between blues and violets, as well as overall difficulties when filtering out levels of contrast.[8.]

• “Lighting levels in […] public places need to take account of the far higher levels of illumination required, […] but harsh or excessive lighting which produces glare should be avoided.”
• ”Visual displays should use appropriate font size, type and adequate word and line spacing.”
• ”Displays should be simple, uncluttered and concise, prioritising important information.”
• ”Clear graphic symbols should be used as an adjunct to words when possible.”
• ”Surfaces should be non-reflective, and brightness and colour contrast high. Blue-violet-green combinations should be avoided.”
• ”Stairs should have clearly marked edges.”