Application of Universal Design Principles in the Design of a Self-Checkout System

Abstract

A study was conducted to explore the use of universal design principles in the redesign of a grocery store self-checkout system – focusing on the accessibility for wheelchair users. Two checkout stations were built: one was a dimensionally accurate model of an existing system and the other was a redesign of this system, using universal design principles. Five wheelchair users and ten non-wheelchair users performed simulated self-checkout activities, using both checkout stations. The dependent variables were productivity, shoulder and torso posture, and users' subjective assessment. Results indicated that productivity was not significantly affected by checkout station type and posture was significantly improved – peak shoulder angle was reduced by 64% in wheelchair users and by 69% in the non-wheelchair group, and peak sagittal angle (forward lean) of the torso was reduced by 66.5% for wheelchair-users. Subjective feedback from both user groups showed a preference for the redesigned checkout station

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