Disability Technology & News

Samsung & LG UD Products

Here is another article on how private companies in Asia are incorporating Universal Design features into their product line. The gadgets below exemplifies the aesthetic and functionality of UD if it is done correctly.

New Designs Focus on Easy Use
December 7, 2006
www.chosun.com

The term “universal design” has become a driving force behind today’s design professionals, and challenges leaders in product design to create goods that are easy for everyone to use, regardless of their age and physical ability.

Lim Young-mo, senior researcher with Samsung Economic Research Institute, spoke of the concept that first appeared in the U.S in the early nineties. “Though the concept is relatively new in Korea, it is rapidly gaining popularity in developed nations.”

(Samsung Electronics’ tri-fold monitor)

For electronic appliances industry, LG Electronics has developed the Tromm SteamWasher, which comes with a pre-ordered detachable door handle, friendly to both left and right handed consumers.

(Samsung Electronics’ YP-Z5 MP3 Player and Hite Beer ‘Max’ with printed Braille.)

Samsung Electronics brought universally-designed products to the display tables at the CeBit 2006, the world’s largest IT exposition held in Germany in March this year. Their tri-fold monitor enables its viewing angle to be adjusted according to users’ needs, and their latest MP3 player, the YP-Z5, has simplified functions ideal for elderly and visually challenged users.

(‘Universal Toilet’ by Kim Chang-duk/Yonhap)

Essential to everyone, the “Universal Toilet” designed by Kim Chang-duk was awarded “Best of Best” at the Red Dot Concept Design Award Ceremony in Singapore last month. The product offers extra-easy use to the elderly, children and handicapped people. Hite Co. has even come up with canned beers with “beer” printed in Braille. “We intended to help visually handicapped people choose the right drink,” the company said.

Kyungsung University Universal Design Research Center said, “More local companies have focused on functionality rather than convenience for users. But with growing interest in universal design from large companies, the concept will become a trend soon.”

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