PRODUCT FEATURE | Multigenerational design
Francesca Seden looks at multigenerational design, how we define it and whether it is the same as inclusive design. We’ll find out how manufacturers are responding to calls for more inclusive products and offer advice on how retailers can best sell products in what is often an uncomfortable area to discuss openly
ONE ROOF ALL UNDER A
ccording to a 2020 study by insurance firm Aviva of 4,000 adults, one-in-three
homes in the UK are multi- generational (around nine million out of around 27.8m UK house- holds (ONS)), with that percentage set to increase in the future. The survey found that the most common type of household in the multigenerational category is one where adult offspring are still living at home with parents, accounting for nearly two out of five multigenerational homes. ‘Boomerang’ children – where grown-up offspring have returned to the family home after university – accounted for a further 11%, and the same number of adult children (11%) were living with their parents while they study at university or college. However, the Aviva study also found there are a considerable number of older relatives who live with their families for health or financial reasons. While in percentage terms, the proportion of older relatives living with family members is much lower (14% of all multigenerational households), this still accounts for 1.28 million homes across the UK. A similar Aviva study from 2016 found that older relatives accounted for just 9% of multigenerational households, indicating a dramatic increase of this type of set-up.
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Despite the rise in these multi- generational homes, the concepts of designing such rooms are still not greatly understood and ques tions remain around how inclusive products designed for this market need be. That said, in the kitchen and bathroom markets, over the past few years manufacturers have started to recognise the need for more inclusive products and responded accordingly. So, what do we mean by the term inclusive/multigenerational design? Are they one and the same, or separate concepts?
Should all products designed for this market be usable for those with disabilities and adaptive, or is a broader approach which is practical for a wide range of users good enough? Symphony Group might be best- qualified to answer the first question, having designed an accessible kitchen range with designer and wheelchair user, Adam Thomas. Sym phony market- ing and retail director Simon Collyns says: “To create a space that works for every- one, it is impor tant to
consider inclu sive de s ign in spaces such as the kitchen. Inclusive or ‘universal’ features help to make a space accessible for different generations and those with mob ility needs, including wheelchair users.” So, for Symphony Group, multi- generational and inclusive are one and the same.
Inclusive or ‘universal’ features help to make a space accessible for not only different generations but also those with mobility needs, including wheelchair users
Simon Collyns, marketing and retail director, Symphony
Pronorm national sales manager, Richard Turner adds: “A multigene- rational or inclusive design is one that has an egalitarian approach for all users, embracing children, young adults, parents and grandparents. It takes account of all their individual needs, such as physical, cognitive and sensory, as well as their practical requirements for how they want to live, eat, work and socialise.” Roca’s brand marketing manager Natalie Bird responds in a similar vein, saying multi gen- e rational de s ign needs to be “tail- ored to suit the vary ing needs of children, parents and also grand- parents without sacrificing style. Multigenerational design is about future-proofing too and means think ing about
how these needs will change and making sure that spaces can adapt.” In terms of what this means in practice, we’ll have a look at some of the latest innovations in this area of the market, starting with Symphony’s Freedom kitchen range.
Mainstream Now, this isn’t new, but it is relevant, having been billed as the first, truly accessible kitchen range designed for the mainstream. The Freedom kitchen has been conceived with the help of award-winning designer and wheelchair user, Adam Thomas. It features a whole host of features that afford it its status. Symphony’s Collyns adds: “One design tip we would recommend is to incorporate a mixture of worktop heights to suit the requirements of those using the kitchen space. Rise- and-fall worktops provide flexibility in households of multiple users as the worktop can be raised or lowered to a safe and comfortable working height. Considering the worktop material is also important, one with a waterfall edge prevents liquids from spilling onto the floor or the user’s lap, reducing slip risks and the risk of scalding. “To reduce unnecessary reaching, crouching and carrying of items, safe storage solutions are a must. Pull- down baskets are an excellent way to
· December 2022
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