A Study and Development of Working Environment to Increase the Work Efficiency of People with Physical Disabilities: A Case Study of Major Retail and Wholesale Companies in Bangkok

Abstract

© 2018 ACM. This research aimed to alleviate problems of environments and facilities of people with disabilities in retail and wholesale companies within the area of Bangkok, Thailand by applying the concept of universal design to enhance their environment. The data were collected by using interviews, questionnaires, and observation. The results were applied to a design process based on the needs of people with physical disabilities and addressed solving their work problems, increasing their work effectiveness. Testing was conducted to compare pretest and post-test results using designed products to evaluate the work effectiveness of the people with physical disabilities using statistical analysis (paired t-tests). The results using developed products showed a higher average post-test score than pre-test. The average score of pre-test and post-test had a value of X = 13.0667, SD =2.93906 and X = 14.667, SD = 2.6903, and this supported the research hypothesis.