Transgenerational design

the long version

The world's population is rapidly growing older, and it is important to create new products and environments that are easily used by people throughout their lifetimes—whatever their age or ability. Transgenerational Design addresses this need by offering a cross-disciplinary approach to product design that bridges gaps between designers and consumers, scientist and service professionals, young and old. It debunks myths about aging, showing how many problems with products are, in fact, problems for all age groups. Throughout, the author focuses on practical solutions to design challenges, helping designers to avoid discrimination against both age and ability. Transgenerational Design sensitizes readers to the realities of aging by exploring changes in abilities that occur throughout one's lifetime. It explains how to make intelligent decisions during the design, production, marketing, promotion, and selection of consumer products and environments used by an aging population with a wide range of physical and sensory abilities.