Study of Design Criteria for Warorobes Furniture for Wheelchair Users
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Abstract
This research, entitled A Study of Criteria for Designing Bedroom Furniture for Mobility-Impaired Wheelchair Users, aims to investigate usage behaviors, activities, and limitations in the use of bedroom furniture by mobility-impaired individuals who use wheelchairs. The findings are intended to be used to analyze usability problems and to propose appropriate guidelines for furniture design. This study employed a qualitative research approach, using purposive sampling to select wheelchair users divided into two groups: individuals with disabilities from the waist down and those with disabilities from the chest down. Each group consisted of 10 participants, for a total of 20 participants, recruited from the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Center. Research instruments included a behavioral observation checklist, semi-structured in-depth interview guides, and measurement records of spatial dimensions and furniture accessibility. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and spatial measurements, and were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results indicate that bedroom furniture design for wheelchair users should consider appropriate dimensions and accessible circulation space, particularly for wardrobes, dressing tables, work desks, and beds. Participants with disabilities from the waist down required an access area of approximately 2.15 × 1.95 square meters, while those with disabilities from the chest down required approximately 2.00 × 1.90 square meters. In addition, doors and drawers should be designed as sliding systems to enhance ease of use and accessibility. It is recommended that the derived criteria be applied to furniture design and bedroom layout planning, and that adaptable furniture be developed to accommodate different levels of disability. Future research should expand the sample size and further develop research instruments to encompass ergonomic and safety dimensions, in order to produce more comprehensive and practically applicable design guidelines.
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