3. Guidance on Design-for-All Strategies for Medical Equipment

Overview

These guidelines are based on the universal design principles and inclusive design strategies, or design for all, as applied to the design of medical devices. More info ...

Guidelines

3.1 The same means of use should be provided for all users: identical whenever possible, equivalent when not

3.2 Segregation or stigmatization of any users should be avoided

3.3 Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all potential users

3.4 The design of the device should be appealing to all potential users

3.5 The device should offer choice in methods of use

3.6 The device should accommodate right- or left-handed access and use

3.7 The device should facilitate the user's accuracy and precision

3.8 The device should adapt to the user's pace

3.9 The device should have no unnecessary complexity

3.10 Device operation should be consistent with user expectations and intuition

3.11 The device should accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills

3.12 Information on the device should be arranged in a manner consistent with its importance

3.13 The device should provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion

3.14 The device should use different modes (visual, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information

3.15 The "legibility" of essential device information should be maximized

3.16 Elements of the device should be differentiated in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions)

3.17 The device should be compatible with a variety of techniques or devices used by potential users who have sensory limitations

3.18 Elements of the device should be arranged to minimize hazards and errors: the most used elements should be most accessible; hazardous elements should be eliminated, isolated, or shielded

3.19 The device should provide warnings of hazards and errors

3.20 The device should have fail-safe features

3.21 The device should discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance

3.22 Allow user to maintain a neutral body position

3.23 The forces required to operate the device should be reasonable

3.24 Repetitive actions should be minimized

3.25 Sustained physical effort should be minimized

3.26 The device should offer a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing potential user

3.27 The reach to all critical components of the device should be comfortable for any seated or standing potential user

3.28 The device should accommodate variations in hand and grip size

3.29 Adequate space should be provided for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance

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