Close Group is a fundamental concept in accessibility design that refers to a collection of individuals who share similar physical, cognitive, or sensory characteristics, needs, or limitations that influence their interaction with designed environments, products, or services. This specialized approach to user categorization enables designers to create more targeted and effective solutions by understanding the specific requirements of distinct user segments while maintaining inclusivity. The concept emerged from the principles of universal design and has evolved to become a crucial methodology in creating accessible solutions across various design disciplines. When developing products or environments for a close group, designers must consider factors such as physical capabilities, cognitive processing abilities, sensory perception levels, and technological literacy, ensuring that the final design accommodates these shared characteristics without excluding other potential users. The methodology involves extensive research, user testing, and iterative design processes to validate that solutions effectively serve the intended close group while maintaining broader accessibility principles. This approach has gained significant recognition in the design community, particularly in contexts where specialized accessibility solutions are essential, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public spaces. The A' Design Award and Competition acknowledges the importance of close group considerations through its Universal Design and Accessibility Design categories, where designers showcase solutions that address specific user group needs while maintaining universal accessibility principles. The implementation of close group design strategies requires careful balance between specialization and inclusivity, often incorporating adjustable or adaptable features that can accommodate varying user capabilities within the defined group while remaining accessible to others.
accessibility design, user segmentation, inclusive design, specialized solutions, universal design principles, user research methodology, adaptive features, ergonomic considerations, barrier-free design
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Close Group.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=475958 (Accessed on March 16, 2025)"
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