Barrier-free solutions are expensive – Misunderstanding #4

Are barrier-free solutions expensive and ugly?

Of course, if you only find out after the opening of your new building that it does not even meet the legal requirements for accessibility, then this is an expensive lesson to learn. Because it is always expensive to install something afterwards. And then it often no longer matches the original design. This also applies to barrier-free solutions.

Planning barrier-free solutions correctly

Experts should therefore be involved in the planning process at an early stage. No matter whether it is the redesign of a shop, restaurant or hotel. Or the new design of a product packaging. Therefore, barrier-free solutions should be considered early and planned accordingly. This is the only way to achieve a consistent design at the lowest possible cost and with an attractive appearance. Smart and stylish barrier-free solutions in universal design offer both accessibility and additional comfort for all customers.

A bathroom mirror that reaches down to the sink simply looks more elegant than one that ends 40 cm higher. AND people in wheelchairs or small children can also see themselves in it.
A spacious elevator reduces waiting times for everyone. AND people in wheelchairs can easily turn around in it.
A self-injection with step-by-step audio instructions leaves the hands free for the injection. More comfort for everyone. AND people with visual impairments can also use it safely.

Spacious, elegant and barrier-free – barrier-free solutions do not have to be ugly!

Customer friendliness in the “hardcore” test

Simple and intuitive usability is extremely important for products and services of all kinds today. After all, all customers, especially those of the 65+ generation, become more and more reluctant to use cumbersome products. And conveniently usable solutions are becoming more and more available. So dont’ fall behind!

People with disabilities are the ideal people to bring usability, comfort and customer friendliness, i.e. “usability” to the best possible result.

A famous example is Apple:

iPhones should be as easy and intuitive to use as possible. The cooperation with people with disabilities led to numerous innovations such as Siri or VoiceOver. Barrier-free solutions, whose comfort is already standard today and is used as such worldwide.

More and more companies now rely on Universal Design. The company Felix Austria, for example, has developed a new opening mechanism for their glass packed food.

All people enjoy the comfort of Universal Design

And what about the cost?

Often the mistake is made to see barrier-free solutions only as an annoying compliance with legal requirements. One feels that every euro is too much.

Yet barrier-free solutions are hardly more expensive than those that are not barrier-free. Experts believe that accessible solutions result in approximately 6% higher construction costs. Higher prices and more customers will definitely make it worthwhile. But only if you rely on smart solutions that appeal to all customers. e.g: Threshold-free patio and balcony doors instead of ugly, small metal ramps, so that you can overcome the thresholds with a wheelchair.

You will find smart and elegant barrier-free solutions at gabana, who have also kindly provided us with the pictures of their planned and implemented rooms shown here.