Evaluation of Kitchen Design For the General Elderly and Wheelchair Using Elderly

This study aims at evaluating conventional kitchens in Korea from the observation of kitchen work performed by the elderly and wheelchair using elderly. As research sites, I-type and L-type kitchens in Seoul were selected. Three subject groups; the general elderly, the wheelchair using elderly and healthy young adults, were selected and observed. Fifteen kitchen tasks performed by subject groups were recorded with video cameras and measured with a stopwatch. The time taken for performing tasks and the frequency of error occurrence were analyzed. Major findings resulting from this study are as follows: 1) The angle of the control panel, along with its height, should be carefully considered in the design of built-in type kitchen appliances. 2) A mobile cart is needed for a wheelchair user to carry hot or heavy foods or food waste. 3) Placing pull out or foldable shelves at various heights in relation to lower cabinets should be considered in addressing the lack of work surfaces in conventional Korean kitchens.