Space Planning of the Refrigerator for Elderly

• Main Authors: Huang, Huiyu, 黃惠瑜
• Other Authors: Lu, Chenhui
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/57644640172542319098

碩士 === 實踐大學 === 產品與建築設計研究所 === 100 === Abstract Cooking is a symbolic activity for elders’ independence. In the cooking process, the refrigerator is one of the essencial appliances. Therefore, the usability of refrigerators is important and different needs of elderly who are in physical and mental degradation should be considered. The purpose of this research is to propse a space planning of the refriderator which is universal, and can answer to the needs of the elderly and can also be acceptable to other user group. The case study were conducted to know the need of elderly users, and the result is summarized into 6 operational problems: "Inappropriate height," " Inappropriate depth," "Mixed drugs and food," "Complicated leftover preservation," "different needs of function and capacity," and "Unapproachable panel." The corresponding design concepts are: "Horizontal fridge body," "Shallow cabinet depth," "Independent drawer," "Chill and steam dual space," "Modular function and capacity," and "Graphically panel." The conclusions are: Although the six concepts are helpful for elderly user in different ways, they are all in accordance with the UD principle "Equitable Use." "Horizontal fridge body" and "Shallow cabinet depth" are helpful in reaching and watching in natural position, and is in accordance with UD principles: "Equitable", "Flexibility in Use", "Perceptible Information," "Low Physical Effort and Size" and "Space for Approach and Use." "Independent drawer" can separate smell and make food and object easilier to remember. But the drawer lock is only helpful for the elderly with Dementia, and is in accordance with UD principles: "Equitable Use," "Simple and Intuitive Use," and "Perceptible Information" "Chill and steam dual space" is quite complied with the needs of the elderly users. This concept simplifies the leftover preservation, was prefered by other-usergroup, and accords to UD principles: "Equitable Use," "Flexibility in Use," "Simple and Intuitive Use," "Perceptible Information," and "Low Physical Effort." "Modular Function and Capacity" provides flexible combination of function and capacity, gives the elderly and other user group more choices, and is in accordance with UD principles: "Equitable Use," "Flexibility in Use," and "Size and Space for Approach and Use." "Graphical panel", which applies food image on the outside of fridge door and buttons for temperature control, has no significant help for the elderly, and is in accordance with UD principles: "Flexibility in Use," "Perceptible Information," and "Low Physical Effort."