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Abstract

Full scale models are representational systems that can be experienced through touch, movement and operation. For designers and researchers, they are simulated designs to observe, interact, experience and study future systems. An important research tool, full scale models offer an efficient means to examine early design assumptions, evaluate problem definition and develop designed systems. This paper will provide an overview of using full-scale models by product and environmental designers for research, design and development. A bathroom case study that employs full scale models conduct accessibility research and validated design assumptions is presented. The findings of the research indicate that accessible bathrooms do not offer functional benefits to all users, mostly to users with disabilities. And yet, everyone likes accessible features and they want to have them. The results of the research were used to develop a universal bathroom. The paper concludes with recommendations for a new modeling system.

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Full Scale Models for Person-Environment Interaction

Abstract

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