Redesigning the Classic Teaching Lectern

Sponsored by Steelcase, Inc.

Background

Problem
Typical lecterns and podiums are not fully accessible by users with disabilities

Universal Design
A source used in research, defined seven principles to follow when designing something to be accessible by a large majority of people. These are: (1) Equitable Use - the product should appear comfortable (2) Flexibility in Use - The product should be able to be used or accessed in a variety of ways (3) Simple and Intuitive Use - The design should have a low standard of learning (4) Perceptible Information - The product should be perceptible in a number of ways (5) Tolerance for Error - Product incorporates components to reduce chance of user error (6) Low Physical Effort - Product should not require unreasonable effort to use (7) Size and Space for Approach and Use - Design should consider how the product integrates with surroundings "Complying with the above principles of UD will ensure that the final product is usable by the largest majority of users." -Ron Mace, founder of Universal Design


The Project Definition
The Steelcase Inc. universal design lectern became a capstone project when an NAU professor had difficulties accessing certain features of the current teaching lecterns available in the NAU engineering building. The professor informed NAU Facilities about his problem and they were unable to find a lectern on the market that could provide accessibility to the instructor in a way that would work with the current infrastructure. Available lecterns are not designed using universal design techniques and therefore are often not accessible to all people. Accessibility issues with current lecterns include no height adjustment, no seating options at the lectern, small work-spaces for the user, not being transportable around the room, and being incompatible with future technology. In particular, no height adjustment and no under-the-table leg room make it so people confined to wheelchairs cannot access lecterns. Also, for visually impaired users the touchscreen controls are difficult or even impossible to navigate and use. Examples of current lecterns that have these issues are as follows:

The Project Requirements
The requirements given to us by Steelcase, Inc. are:
  • To design a lectern that will conform to the principles of Universal Design. This implies that it will be easily accessible to people of all abilities and preferences. Of specific interest are user subgroups with disabilities and unique physical needs.
  • To meet 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
  • To follow design practices and themes typical to Steelcase
  • To stay within a budget allocated by Steelcase, Inc. ($1000)
  • To account for each design requirement posed in the initial Project Request from Steelcase Inc. These requirements were used as a basis for the Project Phases.