By Marley Cunningham
The principle of user experience (UX) as it is known today is frequently associated with more modern technologies, such as websites and smartphone apps. However, it is in fact a concept that predates even the cognitive psychologist and usability engineer, Don Norman, who officially coined the term in his 1988 book The Design of Everyday Things. Dating back thousands of years, ancient Chinese philosophers believed in the use of feng shui to achieve spatial design that is harmonious with the flow of energy. Nods to user experience can even be traced back to ancient Greece with proof in the ergonomically designed tools, as well as writings from Hippocrates discussing the efficient design of a surgeon’s operating room. The end goal is the same: an enjoyable, intuitive, optimized, and user-friendly experience.
In the realm of product design, specifically pool access equipment, user experience is an indispensable design pillar that profoundly impacts the way an individual interacts with and perceives a product. Good or bad, these experiences have the power to reach beyond the product, including the impact of brand image and reputation. While there are many different types of aquatic access equipment to consider, their commonality regarding user experience is the nature of the consequences that result from poor design. For products that are specifically designed for end-users with limited mobility, the user journey must be closely examined with special care given to any potential safety concerns. This article will dive deep into the role of user experience, not only in the aquatic access products themselves, but in the way they affect one’s business in its entirety.
Understanding the primary types of access
Disability is a spectrum that comes in many forms and ability levels. Pool access equipment also comes in various forms, each serving a distinct purpose in enhancing the ease and safety of accessing the water. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)1, primary accessible means of entry include:
Pool lifts
Often the preferred method of entry, pool lifts have seen major evolutions in design since the introduction of water-powered lifts in 1980. While this design marked a major advancement, it had its share of limitations. For example, water hoses supplying the lift posed tripping hazards, leading to the eventual remedy of running water lines beneath the pool deck.
However, the solution resulted in a costly and permanent installation, which could potentially create challenges during repair work. Moreover, these lifts required specific water pressure (not always easy to achieve), and a portion of the lift had to remain submerged in the water, rendering it susceptible to corrosion. These factors collectively contributed to the transition away from water-powered lifts, fuelling the demand for more straightforward battery-powered alternatives. The more popular and modern battery-powered lifts seen today rest safely on the pool deck, above the waterline, and can easily be removed when necessary.
Consequently, the first battery-powered lift made its debut in 1997, several years after the enactment of the ADA, which had not yet stipulated specific requirements for pool accessibility. This initial generation of battery-powered lifts represented a substantial improvement and addressed many of the issues that plagued their water-powered predecessors. However, they still fell short in terms of esthetics, usability, and overall visual appeal on the pool deck.
