Guidelines

Checklist for Household Appliances

No significant benefits  Minor benefits  Major benefits
Keypad / Controls
There is good visual contrast between the keys and appliance
Key tops are convex, or flat with a raised edge
Keys should be as large as possible without reducing the distance between the keys to less than half the key width
Keys should be internally illuminated without reducing legibility
Any visual marking on keys is clear, large and of high contrast
The pressure to activate a key is between 0.5 and 1 Newton
There is auditory feedback of control activation
There is tactile feedback of control activation
There is a clearly labelled reset control
Buttons or keys have tactile markings
Buttons or keys are large and easily identifiable
Buttons or keys are operable with one hand
Displays
The typeface is clear and legible
There is good colour contrast
There is no scrolling or flashing text
There is minimal visual flicker or image flashing
Glare is minimised on the display and control surfaces
The font size can be increased
Text is in upper and lower case
Red/Green and Blue/Yellow colour combinations are avoided
Instruction Manuals / Documentation
Simple, clear and concise language is used
There is a table of contents and a good index
Instructions are task orientated
Instructions are provided in alternate formats
Documentation is provided in alternate modes of delivery (e.g. fax, Internet, email)
The typeface is clear and legible
Information given in pictures is also explained in the text
Pictures are provided to explain text
Alternative help facilities are provided
Labelling
Symbols are accompanied by text
Symbols are easily recognisable
Text and background colours have high contrast
The typeface is clear and legible
The typeface size and weight are suitable
Text is in upper and lower case
Washing machines
Minimum strength is needed to open and close the door
Controls are easy to grip and turn
The door opens flat or as wide as possible for maximum access
The dome in the door does not provide an obstruction to access
Wheels are added for ease of moving top loader machines
The door handle or button is easily activated
The drawer for the soap powder is fairly large and easily located
Noise emmission is at a minimum level
Tumble driers
Minimum strength is needed to open and close the door
Timer and heat controls are easy to grip and turn
The door opens wide for maximum access
The door handle or button is easily activated
Noise emmission is at a minimum level
Microwaves
Minimum strength is needed to open and close the door
The door handle or button is easily activated
The turntable is small and light or easy to remove
The front edge is smooth so as not to hinder the transfer of dishes in and out

Back to Household Appliances

Checklist for Controls
Checklist for Displays
Checklist for Keys