Understanding Issues Facing One-handed Users.

Statistics show that around 3 million users are potentially excluded from two-handed operations, for example, tying their shoelaces. A further three million users can only use one-hand to hold a mug of tea, or turn a water tap. These figures are based on users with long-term difficulties [Martin, 1988], in addition to these are those suffering temporary dexterity losses. Although statistics highlight the severity of the problem, they do not provide an insight into how products can be improved. Therefore, users with difficulty of two-handed co-operation (long term or temporary) have been asked to record their experiences. These experiences have been analysed to understand the difficulties faced by the users; coping strategies developed and; how these can be transferred to aid the designer to address these difficulties. This paper aims to discuss issues surrounding the problem faced by one-handed users, and how designers can learn from these problems. The research method is: • to identify the problems faced by a long-term one-handed user; • to identify the problems faced by a temporary one-handed user with design background; and • an assessment of products for suitability for one-handed users.
Keyword: usability,user experience,inclusive design