Universal Design

Policy Related to Universal Design

Toshiba Group contributes to realization of a society where everyone can live at ease and in comfort regardless of age, gender and abilities. Toshiba is promoting universal design (UD).

In 2007, with a view to promoting universal design throughout Toshiba Group, particularly with the support of Universal Design Working Group (WG), we established Toshiba Group UD Philosophy, UD Vision and UD Guidelines.

Toshiba Group Universal Design Philosophy

We create products attuned to people's aspirations. Toshiba Group contributes to realization of a society where everyone can live at ease and in comfort regardless of age, gender and abilities

Toshiba Group Universal Design Vision

Transforming “can't use” to “able to use”, “hard to use” to “easy to use”, Toshiba's universal design aims to create products accessible and safe to use for everyone. With the perpetual drive for innovation, Toshiba continues to explore ways to create more convenient and easier to use products which, in our hope, will meet even greater number of peoples' standard for “want to use”.

Toshiba Group Universal Design Guidelines

Intuitive use
Simple use
Low physical effort
Equitable use
Safety and minimal anxiety

(The Guidelines consists of the above five main principles and 15 sub principles.)

Universal Design Promotion Structure

The Universal Design (UD) Promotion Working Group (WG) established in 2005 is striving to incorporate the universal design concept in development steps and is promoting dissemination of information on Toshiba's universal design internally and externally.

UD Promotion WG members:: Personnel engaged in universal design at 3 in-house companies and 8 major group companies

UD Advisor System

In FY2007, Toshiba Group initiated a UD advisor system and invited employees with disabilities to register with the system with a view to obtaining their cooperation in the development and evaluation of UD products, irrespective of the divisions to which they belong.

In FY2010, the Group expanded the scope to include foreign national employees in order to step up UD promotion to meet the needs of overseas markets, including emerging economies. Some 120 employees, including non-Japanese employees and those with disabilities, have registered with the system.

Sherylleen Seah
Human Resources and Administration Division
Toshiba Corporation

I am impressed by Toshiba's efforts at constantly improving its products through the introduction of the Universal Design Advisor System. As Toshiba Group continues to manufacture products for the global market, I feel that it is crucial to incorporate the Voice of Customer of a wide range of consumers into the product development process. As a foreign employee in the organization, this system allows me to express my opinions on the design and usability of various products from the viewpoint of a global consumer coming from a different cultural background, and I am glad to be given the opportunity to be a part of the process.

Development of Universal Design Products

In developing products related to a wide range of fields such as home appliances, housing facilities, information equipment, and public facilities, Toshiba adopts a human-centric design process emphasizing users' perspectives, incorporating the needs of many customers as possible.

Please refer to the following website for Toshiba's efforts in creating UD products.

UD at Toshiba Design Center

External Evaluation: Winner of Germany's Universal Design Award 2011

Toshiba's VC-CG510X cyclone cleaner received Germany's Universal Design Award* 2011. The product development process, which involved UD advisors, and its outstanding design features, such as the new grip that increases usability, were highly rated.

* International award sponsored by universal design e.V. and universal design GmbH, both based in Hanover, Germany

VC-CG510X cyclone cleaner, winner of Germany's Universal Design Award

Development team consulting with a UD advisor

Promotion of Universal Design

Toshiba's booth at the International Conference for Universal Design in HAMAMATSU 2010

Toshiba's UD efforts have created a great impact on the quality of life for many people. Toshiba recognizes that such efforts should be communicated to as many people as possible, and participates in the International Association for Universal Design, Association for Electric Home Appliances, etc. to create social awareness on universal design.

Toshiba Group is promoting universal design (UD) in a wide variety of areas ranging from home appliances to industrial equipment. In FY2010, we participated in “The 3rd International Conference for Universal Design in HAMAMATSU 2010” (Japan), where a broad range of participants gained an understanding of Toshiba's UD through booth exhibits and paper presentations. We also conducted surveys on global trends in UD to improve Toshiba Group's ability to promote UD.