User-centred design of a portable fire extinguisher

Amos, Mary; Lawson, Glyn

Abstract

This case study documents the process followed to produce an alternative design of fire extinguisher. The work focuses on how informative data can be gathered for an ethically challenging product scenario through the use of a range of user-centred research methods, including: literature review; product evaluation; shadowing study; empathy study; expert interview; focus groups; and simulation equipment. Design improvements as a consequence of this process include: reductions in size and weight; refillable cartridges; single-handed operation; intuitive form; minimal clean up post-use; and better portability.

Citation

Amos, M., & Lawson, G. (2017). User-centred design of a portable fire extinguisher. Ergonomics in Design, 25(3), 20-27. https://doi.org/10.1177/1064804617707871

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 30, 2017
• Online Publication Date: May 30, 2017
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 5, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 30, 2017
• Journal: Ergonomics in Design
• Print ISSN: 1064-8046
• Electronic ISSN: 1064-8046
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 20-27
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1064804617707871
• Keywords: Fire extinguisher, User-centred design, Ergonomics, Industrial design, User testing, Design process
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/869233
• Publisher URL: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1064804617707871
• Additional Information: ©2017 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
• Contract Date: May 5, 2017