Executive+Summary

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Executive Summary ** 

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The goal of the user study was to develop a thorough understanding of human-escalator interaction. The information gathered is valuable to the redesign of escalators to better meet the needs of the general public who use it as part of their daily lives. Three major primary research methods were adopted to gather detailed information. They are body storming, observations and interviews. The body storming method was used to simulate the effects of impairments on the overall escalator user experience. Major impairments that were simulated are lack of vision and lack of arms. These were chosen because they are the most common forms of disabilities and the goal of the project is to redesign escalators to accommodate the largest number of people without compromising its efficiency. From body storming visual impairments, it was deduced that visually challenged individuals needed more time and support on the elevator. The most challenging aspects of using the elevator was getting on and off. Armless individuals on the other hand experienced less difficulty using escalators however it was apparent that they lacked balance and stability because of the absence of upper body support. While observing seniors, adults and kids, we noticed that the most vulnerable users are kids and seniors who had less balance and physical coordination. There seemed to be a common complaint amongst the individuals interviewed. The majority of them were concerned about their safety on elevators and had specific parts of escalators they want redesigned. Common suggestions ranged from replacing the jagged edges of escalators to prevent the trapping of personal clothing’s to reducing the energy consumption of escalators because of its impact on the environment. The interviewees claimed that the jagged edges can cause serious injuries when individuals accidentally falloff. They also want the redesign of escalators to accommodate people with disabilities and impairments. They suggested the inclusion of chairlifts, increasing the width, auditory signals to alert when to get on and off and changing the color of escalators.  =====

The major ethical issues that were identified about escalators and their use revolve around inaccessibility. Individuals, particularly those from the disabled demographic find escalators quite discriminating. This, they claim, displays a lack of concern for their needs and convenience. People also believe escalators should be as accessible to first time users as much as it is to frequent users. They want escalators to be redesigned to provide visibility to first time users on how to use them. They hope this will reduce the potential embarrassment that results from the public awareness of their inexperience. The last ethical issue that was identified directly relates to its use. Users claim that it is inconsiderate for other individuals to prevent them from walking on the dedicated walking part during emergency/busy periods. They hope the redesign will incorporate a constraint that prevents this.
 * Ethical Issues **

 While analyzing the major discoveries, it was readily obvious that the major design problems associate with escalators are safety, accessibility and energy efficiency. A significant portion of the interviewed and observed population revealed that safety was their major concern. This was further supported by the preliminary secondary research that was performed. A number of users were also concerned with accessibility for both able and disable people. A few other individuals believed designing energy efficient escalators could be another way the society can reduce its unsustainable consumption of energy that destroys the environment. All these discoveries will be well thought out in other to design an escalator that serves the largest amount of people while consuming the least amount of resources.
 * Conclusion/ Patterns and Themes**