Universal Design
Barrier-free construction also means: Everyone should be able to use technology intuitively. The American architect Ronald L. Mace, himself a polio sufferer, coined the term Universal Design. In 1985, he formulated five principles for a universally accessible environment. Siedle complies with them all.
Universal Design
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Making complex technology simple to use is the most important task of product design. Finding a solution to this need without compromising on formal and aesthetic quality is what turns styling into a fine art. It is an art that Eberhard Meurer learned to master years ago. In this video, the long-standing Head of Design at Siedle talks about ergonomy, intuitive operation and his aspiration to make appliances easy for anyone to use – without the need to reach for the operating instructions.
No flash player? > Click here to see the video on Youtube.
First principle: Avoid unnecessary complexity.

Siedle has equipped the video panels with few mechanical buttons, clearly understandable symbols indicate the important functions.
Second principle: Take consistent account of the user's expectations and their intuition.

Clear contrasts such as a matt black receiver on a stainless steel body steers the hand to the correct operating elements. These are learned and consequently can be intuitively operated: The receiver accepts the call, the key opens the door.
Third principle: A broad spectrum of read - speech capabilities are supported.

For the visually impaired, Siedle offers a large-area button with raised Braille inscription. For the hard of hearing, the status display signals the status of the duplex intercom system. The inductive loop amplifies the signal from the door station for hearing aids.
Fourth principle: Indicate information in accordance with its importance.

The buttons for the most important functions, speech and door release, are emphasized by their size and/or colour coding. This also prevents unintentional operating errors.
Fifth principle: Provide clear input requests and feedback signals in the design.

The backlit symbols of the status display show the hard of hearing that the bell has sounded inside, that a call has been established or that the door release has been pressed.
© 2020 S. Siedle & Söhne OHG
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