User–product interaction: users and the design of public convenience sanitaryware products in the UK

The research for this thesis investigated user-product relationships with Local Authority public convenience sanitaryware products. The focus of the research was concerned with the in-use relationships the UK public, and those visiting, have with these multiuser public use products. The research aimed to identify which design attributes were and were not enjoyed, and to represent the views of the UK public. The literature review highlighted a lack of knowledge in the area of the specific multiuser public use products; toilets, urinals and sanitary waste units. It also highlighted a lack of user-centred research into the design of sanitaryware for able-bodied access use. Due to the sensitivity of the subject and lack of information available, a mixed-methods approach to information elicitation was adopted. Recruiting participation for the studies was also approached with care to demonstrate the validity of the research. In total over 450 self-selected volunteers participated in this research. [Continues.]