Publicerad: 2014-06-11
ISBN: 978-91-7519-276-5
ISSN: 1650-3686 (tryckt), 1650-3740 (online)
Bathrooms are generally shared among family members of different generations in Taiwanese households. According to statistics; 85.8% of bathrooms in Taiwan are shared among more than two people (Taiwan Design Center; 2006). However; the internal size of a bathroom in Taiwan is normally 5 square meters and contains general fixtures such as a washbasin; a toilet; and a bathtub. Considering that a washbasin; in which users can wash their faces or assorted items; might be the most frequently used fixture in a bathroom; this study chose it as the research target. As most bathrooms in typical households are considered communal spaces; the different habits of bathroom users and the similarities or variations in their physical conditions present a challenging issue for designers; who must consider individual user needs during design.
This study conducted on-site observations of the washing and dressing behaviors of bathroom users in different groups; and interviewed users concerning their bathroom usage experience. The specific morning bathroom usage procedures of 15 users were recorded. The users consisted of adults; children; and elderly people. The time allocated for each bathroom user was approximately 10 minutes; which began with observing the usage procedures and then subsequently transcribing these procedures into texts. After analyzing the same behaviors of different bathroom users; a conclusion was drawn about similar problems that occurred to general bathroom users. Finally; new indexes were designed to address those problems; as well as similar problems; were analyzed; consolidated; and summarized into four categories: water volume and temperature adjustment; face-washing and cleaning method; handrail setting and height; and storage space. Through the case study; this research aimed to define the problems encountered by users while washing and dressing in a bathroom; further discuss these problems; and seek for solutions.
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