Dexterity

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Overview | Understanding dex. | Dex. functions (5) | Env. context | Design guidance | Pop. stats. (2)

Design guidance

  • Try to facilitate product interaction that only requires the user to generate pushing forces
  • Carefully consider the force and precision requirements for gripping operations, and ensure that these are appropriate given the size and shape of the surface together with the type of grip that will be used
  • Note that controls requiring simultaneous movements in different directions (such as combined pushing and twisting) are particularly difficult for those with reduced motor control
  • Enable easier gripping by providing a slightly deformable surface, and maximising the available contact area where possible
  • Try to ensure the product can be used left or right handed, and one or two-handed
  • Arrange gripping tasks so that they can be performed with the wrist in a neutral and straight position in order to improve user comfort, and minimise pain for those with conditions such as arthritis
  • Provide loops, handles or sudden changes in surface contours to help minimise the gripping strength required
  • Avoid connection slots that require both vision and dexterity to align
A wine bottle with a screw top, and one with a cork.

Alternative packaging solutions present different challenges for the user

Connecting a mobile phone charger which requires two buttons to be pressed and the charger to be inserted the right way up, as opposed to one with a single circular connection with no buttons which can be inserted in any orientation.

The phone charger on the left has connection slots that require aligning, while the charger on the right is simpler and easier to insert