RNIB Access Consultancy Services are pleased to announce another award of the RNIB Reference, which recognises accessible and inclusive design in mainstream and care products.
Mira Showers have recently received the new accreditation, having worked with RNIB's consultants over a 12 month period to develop their new range of Select Flex Mixer Showers (models EV, E and B).
Background
Mira approached RNIB in summer 2007 with a well designed, aesthetically pleasing, mainstream product. The shower featured two large rotary levers to adjust temperature and flow with a chrome finish. Accessories with the shower included a shower head, associated holder, soap dish, riser bar and hose.
Working with RNIB - Initial assessment
How did it begin?
RNIB's assessment process began with a design consultation between Mira's designers and an RNIB product expert who submitted a report with recommendations. Although the product was good from the outset there was potential to develop it into an inclusive product that could easily be used by all.
What did RNIB recommend?
Improvements were recommended to the operating instructions, the overall finish, font size, text design, colour contrast and temperature markings. The recommendations were received by Mira and inputted into the design in order to create a prototype which would be tested in user trials.
Working with RNIB - user trials
The user trials began in early 2008 when the first prototype was submitted to RNIB. User testing is vital as there is no substitute for watching the product being used. A report was submitted with further recommendations based on the users' comments. All of the users liked the shower design and agreed that after a few minor refinements to things such as the size of the tactile markings they could comfortably envisage its use.
What happened next?
Throughout Summer and Autumn, Mira worked with RNIB to implement the final recommendations, including a more obvious method of distinguishing the two rotary levers, enlarging the font and temperature markings, adding tactile elements to the control levers and providing the operator instructions in clear print.
The chrome finish to the shower, although aesthetically pleasing, created a certain amount of glare which raised concern for some partially sighted people. However, many people, including those with sight loss, preferred the chrome finish due to its appearance which was seen as mainstream and avoiding stigmatization.
Working with RNIB - RNIB Reference awarded!
In November 2008 the final product was submitted and approved by RNIB. Although a caveat to the approval acknowledges the chrome finish and that some users may need some initial instruction, RNIB feel that Mira have managed to produce a range of attractive showers which do not stigmatise users and is easy to use for a wide range of people.
Benefits for the user
The culmination of the year's work meant that Mira achieved an aesthetically pleasing range of showers which incorporate user friendly details such as easy to use flow and temperature levers with visual and tactile markings.
A one-page easy-read operating guide with clear instructions in large text and a simple diagram is also provided with the showers. The user trials highlighted that when used on an irregular basis clear instructions were necessary to establish the current temperature setting when the shower is first used. Mira's restricted temperature settings however, mean that the shower is perfectly safe for use in any situation.
More about Mira Showers
Mira Showers is a brand leader in electric showers and offers a wide range of showering solutions to suit all installations and specifications. Visit www.mirashowers.co.uk for more information or call Mira on 0870 2410888.
Contact us
RNIB Disability Access Services
PO Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS
Telephone 01733 37 53 70