earticle

영어

The purpose of this study is to improve the usability of toilet paper dispensers in public restrooms. To this end, it analyses user needs by applying the five-stage design thinking model, and thereby proposes a design solution. The researcher surveyed the types and installation locations of toilet paper dispensers in public restrooms at I University in Gyeongsangnam-do and identified user inconveniences through interviews and brainstorming with 25 diverse users. In particular, this study considered the physical limitations of various users, including older adults and individuals with disabilities, and applied the five principles of universal design for citizen convenience spaces in Seoul Metropolitan Government (Cognitiveness, Accessibility, Diversity, Safety, and Sustainability). In the stage ‘Define’, this study analysed users' hidden needs, focusing on the difficulty of controlling the amount of toilet paper, the inconvenience of checking the remaining amount, and hygiene-related concerns. In the stage ‘Ideate’, the study established design directions that considered feasibility and creativity, such as combining an automatic cutting device with a remaining-amount indicator. Through the prototype design using 3D modeling and rendering, it visually realized the applicability of universal design in terms of user convenience, hygiene, resource waste minimization, and maintenance efficiency. This study proposed a design direction that not only practically improves the usability of public restroom toilet paper dispensers but also enhances accessibility for diverse users, including the socially disadvantaged groups.