Allegion’s new e-book looks at how factors such as door hardware ergonomics, operating force and visual, tactile and auditory cues can influence the accessibility and usability of building openings.
Allegion has launched a new e-book aimed at helping architects, facility professionals and building owners incorporate accessibility and inclusive design principles into building openings.
Released in recognition of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the “Accessible & Inclusive Design: Elevating Compliance” e-book examines six considerations for creating openings intended to support greater accessibility, independence and ease of use.
“The ADA established essential requirements that have transformed the accessibility of the built environment, but code compliance should be viewed as the foundation rather than the finish line,” said Lori Greene, DAHC/CDC, FDAI, FDHI, founder of the iDigHardware blog and Allegion codes and resources manager.
Greene said considering inclusivity more broadly can help building professionals look beyond meeting minimum requirements when making decisions about how openings function for people with different abilities.
“We created this guide to clarify key considerations and help project teams design spaces that are not only compliant, but more inclusive and intuitive,” Greene said.
Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA established protections against discrimination for people with disabilities and advanced greater access to public spaces. For door and hardware professionals, its impact is reflected in the design of openings and other elements intended to facilitate safer and more seamless movement through buildings.
Allegion's e-book approaches inclusive opening design from several perspectives, including design, code compliance and product solutions. Among the topics addressed are automatic operators, ergonomic door hardware and low-force door operation.
The guide also examines how tactile and auditory cues can improve accessibility in door hardware, how visual communication can make hardware more intuitive and how reducing physical barriers can contribute to inclusive opening design.
“Inclusive design requires us to consider the full range of people who may interact with a product or space and recognize that each person may experience it differently,” said Ana Sofia Esquivel, industrial designer and usability specialist at Allegion.
Esquivel said factors such as the shape and placement of hardware, the amount of force required to operate a door and the visual, tactile or auditory information available can affect the user experience.
“By incorporating accessibility into the design process from the beginning, we can create products and openings that work better for everyone,” Esquivel said.
The “Accessible & Inclusive Design: Elevating Compliance” e-book is available free from Allegion.