8.4 Conclusions
This outline of some of the measures taken to successfully bring many of the
concepts detailed in previous chapters to reality should indicate that catering, for
many companies, to a new and strongly emerging market of older people and
people with disabilities can bring rewards. These rewards may result in several
positive benefits.
Firstly, in a saturated market such as mobile phone terminals, the development of
products and services that are more user-friendly as well as providing suitable
features for older people and people with disabilities can offer companies who are
prepared to be flexible and adapt their practices, additional market share and very
likely increased income. This may also apply to highly competitive emerging
technologies such as VoIP and next generation networks.
Secondly, the provision of more accessible and usable products and services to
older people and people with disabilities means that industry participates as good
corporate citizens and contributes to their triple bottom line. This will naturally
improve their corporate image. The dividend in getting it right first time though are
310
8.
From concept to reality
very much greater - user loyalty to the brand is likely to be substantially greater if
a product appears to be accessible from the outset without a struggle.
Finally, people with disabilities have the opportunity of participating more strongly
in the community, increasing their employment prospects and contributing to
society and their economy.
If the future is going to be truly inclusive, organisations need a coherent strategy
for moving from concept to reality in the development of new services.
Challenges:
• The disability community, together with key stakeholder groups, needs to
agree on and define what makes a product accessible
• Development of methodology for specifying design requirements from a
statement of user needs
• Need for increased understanding among disability organisations of the
potential offered by next generation networks
• The use of appropriate marketing strategies by telecommunication
companies.