The Harkin Institute

The desk systems in this team setting support equitable access to objects. Features like storage, power, and switches, can be reached whether someone is seated or standing. The desks also provide ample space to work comfortably, as well as a mobile bag catch and bag hook to accommodate personal belongings. The wider aisleways designed for the entire building accommodate a general wheelchair to pass, as well as visible sight lines for those seated or standing.

Problem: Physical range of reach varies from person to person in the work environment.

Solutions: Objects or components within settings should be within reach.

Supports: Individuals, whether seated or standing, can easily reach any component within a setting.

Problem: Office furniture does not always provide space for personal belongings.

Solutions: Provide convenient access for personal belongings that are common with students and other residents. For example, bag hooks, coat hooks/racks, and ample horizontal surfaces).

Supports: Backpacks, coats and umbrellas, books and notebooks, electronic accessories

This lounge collaborative setting allows for individual focus, socializing, or whatever people using the space wish it to be. Whether co-workers are using the space for a casual chat or an impromptu meeting, the setting clearly signals it as a welcoming area. The color of the seats on both the lounge chair and sofa have a high degree of contrast with the flooring to help those with limited visual acuity safely see the front edge of the chair when sitting. The seating in place features contrasting colors to help remove visual noise—including modular sofas with high backs for privacy and focus—to support a range of cognitive processes. The two side tables empower people to charge up their phones or tablets with easy, reachable, and intuitive power integration.

Problem: Lack of color differentiation / contrast and visual clutter in furniture finishes can cause confusion.

Solutions: Select materials and finishes with visual and tactile contrast but are not visually busy or complex.

Supports: Low-vision and blind individuals; identifying the distinct functional components of a product, allowing the product to stand out against the background of architectural finishes, keeping visual noise at a minimum for individuals who are easily distracted or confused by complexity, a broad range of cognitive perspectives.

Problem: Office and academic settings do not always consider power and data access at elevated levels above desk height.

Solutions: Provide reachable, intuitive and consistent access to power, data, and technology.

Supports: Equity, control, and access to technology for all individuals.

This private conversational setting provides visual clarity using balance and modern design with clean lines. The placement of the lounge chairs, sofa, and walnut stools that can be used as seating or side tables. Visual clarity, where the orientation of products effectively conveys their use, also supports cognitive processes. Additionally, the space and furniture accommodate every person no matter how they use the space, their handedness, or their body type.

Problem: Furniture products don’t always accommodate how different people will access and use them.

Solutions: When possible, provide symmetrical products that do not favor handedness to provide balance. Also, use symmetrical products to communicate how they are used in the settings they are placed.

Supports: Individuals with different preferred handedness; a range of approaches for individuals to get in and out of seats; consistency and clarity on the location of accessories, levers, pulls, switches, and other components; and visual clarity, where the orientation of products within a setting effectively conveys their use.

Problem: Furniture selections don’t always consider that there are various body shapes and sizes.

Solutions: Provide a variety of products sized to different body types.

Supports: Equity in age, sex, height, weight, etc.