Abstract
Performing multiple tasks in a kitchen environment demands physical effort with cognitive abilities like physical strength along with focused attention and memory retention capabilities, which decline with age, presenting challenges for independent living. While the correlation between spatial design and human task performance is well-documented, there is limited understanding of how spatial design directly influences spatial activities among older adults. This study examines the gaze behavior of older adults (N=31, aged 65-81) across three compact kitchen typologies—single, double, and L-shaped—prevalent in urban Indian contexts. Statistical analysis with ANOVA and Pearson correlation was used to compare saccade duration, fixation duration, and fixation count to evaluate motor task performances. The findings highlight that spatial design highly influences aging behavioral strategies, impacting individual task efficiency. By comparing three kitchen typologies, the L-shaped kitchen platform demonstrated enhanced task efficiency and comfort while working. This study offers insights to the designers and behavioral researchers, establishing the importance of ergonomic kitchen designs in promoting usability and independence for aging populations.
Presenters
Sukesha GhoshStudent, PhD, IDC School of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Ageing, Gaze Behaviour, Spatial Design, Kitchen Platforms, Task Efficiency
