ABSTRACT
This chapter presents two case studies of inclusive product design: the Selectronic Shower of a UK-based manufacturer and the Bahco Rx Cutter by Ergonomidesign, Sweden. Some information about the Selectronic Shower project can be found from Stabler and van den Heuvel. The Selectronic Shower was developed in partnership with the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB). At an early stage, the manufacturer approached the RNIB with an initial design model of the shower. The Applied Energy Products Ltd. launched the Selectronic Shower in early 2003. The Selectronic Shower was initiated by the Disabled Discrimination Act and the Rx cutters were concerned with risk factors associated with using hand tools. The involvement of end-users and ergonomics specialists in the design process was critical for these two inclusive design projects. There is a need to understand the business case of inclusive design in a broader sense: not only in terms of profit, but also in terms of competitive edge.
