The development of universal design principles for appropriate technology in small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

Abstract

The Indonesian government has considered appropriate technology (AT) as a cost-effective strategy to increase productivity, including for farmers in processing agricultural commodities. However, its acceptance and effectiveness still need to be improved so that AT can be used for the general population. The existing AT designs seem to fail in considering the characteristics and capabilities of their users. This paper proposed expanding universal design principles for AT in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). After conducted random observation and interviews with SMEs in Subang Area, this study refers to relevant literature studies from various previous studies. This study’s results are new universal design principles: flexibility in use, practicability, ease of service, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, low energy, adjustability, mobility, and modular and straightforward and intuitive use. A conceptual model proposed in this study describes the relationship among user characteristics, the concept of universal design, and the effectiveness of using appropriate technology.