Currently browsing posts in ‘Universal design’

I recently attended the Universal Design Conference in Auckland. Universal design – sometimes known as inclusive design – is all about designing anything, so that everyone can easily use it. Think of a building with a shallow ramp up to the front door rather than steps. Everyone can use that, whereas someone in a wheelchair ...

I’ve just completed an accessibility assessment of the beautiful Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch as a Be.Accessible assessor. The theatre was restored with replicas of all the original features following the 2011 earthquake, so I was very impressed with how they have gone the extra mile with creating a really accessible theatre facility whilst still ...

For those of us who work in an office, it’s easy to forget that workspaces and workplaces come in all shapes, sizes and locations. I was reminded of this recently when I went up to the Human Factors and Ergonomics conference in Auckland. Delegates included a number of academics from the field of ergonomy as ...

Last week I was lucky enough to travel on the fantastic TranzAlpine train. Travelling from Christchurch through the Southern Alps, across to Greymouth on our beautiful West Coast, the carriages were comfortable with large windows for enjoying the views and a great cafe, serving food far removed from the railway pies of old! However as ...

I have just returned from a trip to the UK to visit my 92 year old dad, who still lives on his own. Just before heading away I attended the inaugural Universal Design Conference, held up in Auckland and largely sponsored by the Auckland Council, (who are on a mission to make theirs the most ...