The trend is the same in Norway as all over Europe, the population is getting older. It is estimated that half the population will be 50 years or older in 2012. This consumer group has over 300 billion NOK to spend each year, and is an increasingly interesting market segment.

Now the Norwegian Design Council has launched a national guide for universal design. The aim is to focus on product design that does not alienate the seniors, for instance by small lettering on packaging, confusing buttons on mobile phones or unreadable displays. The slogan is "design for everyone", and the focus is user friendly inclusive design in the Norwegian industry.

The guide is meant to give designers insight on how the philosophy of design-for-everyone can be used to create user friendly products, with an competitive edge and increased market potential. By making the design universal, it will work for everyone, including consumer groups like children, blind, deaf and people with physical disabilities. The guide lists seven principles to follow when designing universally.

Source: www.norskdesign.no