Universal Design Friendly to Humans and the Earth

Policy

Framework and processv

Main Activities and Results (Fiscal 2012)

Objectives and Achievements

Policy

NEC has promoted universal design (UD) across the NEC Group as part of realizing "an information society friendly to humans and the earth" of the Group Vision.
In a society where IT and networks are becoming increasingly integrated, there is a growing need for devices, services and systems that are easy to use so that many different people can have greater access to information anytime, anywhere.
Based on UD principles, NEC aims to supply products and services that a wide variety of people can use ("accessibility"), that are easier to use ("usability"), and that deliver original value to customers while also being attractive ("innovation"). NEC is promoting the creation of products and services that offer greater value to customers through the promotion of development processes that incorporate "user-centered design" (UCD).

* Please follow this link for details.

Framework and process

In October 2007, NEC Corporation established an internal organization to help promote universal design friendly to humans and the earth. Universal design is a key priority throughout the entire NEC Group. NEC aims to conduct product development that takes into account a more diverse array of customers. To that end, we have registered a wide range of customers, including senior citizens, people with poor vision, people hard of hearing, and people with physical handicaps as "Universal Design Monitors," and they are cooperating with us in product development.

Moreover, in the realization of universal design friendly to humans and the earth, development processes are extremely important. At the planning and survey stage, we observe the environment of targeted customers, listen to their frank opinions, and accurately grasp their needs. Next, at the development and design stage, we build prototypes based on various ideas. We then have customers evaluate these ideas and prototypes, and we send feedback on the results of findings to development divisions.
By implementing this kind of "user-centered design," we are able to produce products with excellent accessibility and usability.

* For details on the UD Development Process, please follow this link

Main Activities and Results (Fiscal 2012)

Universal Design Products

TWINPOS 5500 touch screen POS terminal

Point-of-sale (POS) terminals are used at supermarket checkouts and other retail stores to read the barcodes on items and facilitate payments by customers.
In the design of the TWINPOS 5500 series, NEC paid special attention to the back of the terminal, which had not been done in the past. The smooth form of the terminal’s rear surface helps to prevent a customer’s belongings or shopping trolley from hitting or getting caught on the POS unit. The compact design featuring a tapered stand also helps to reduce the perceived distance between the sales assistant and the customer.
The glossy pearl white finish helps the unit to blend with the in-store surroundings. It is also easy to wipe down, which promotes a cleaner environment around the checkout.
The angle of the barcode scanner can easily be adjusted, making it easier for the sales assistant to operate the scanner at the desired height.
The design of the user interface in the POS system*1 fitted to each TWINPOS 5500 unit features a screen layout that takes the hand and eye movements of the sales assistant into account. This enhances operability while reducing user fatigue.
During the planning phase, a prototype of the unit was displayed at the Retail Tech Japan trade fair for logistics and IT systems. Event attendees operated the prototype and were impressed. The unit was introduced into retail stores from February 2012.
Going forward, NEC will continue to develop POS systems to better serve the needs of stores, retail staff and shoppers alike.
*1 DCMSTORE-POS (used in POS systems for mass-market retail chains)

Tablet-style panel computers (for commercial use)

Responding to market needs, NEC launched new tablet-style panel computers in fiscal 2012 that aim to promote convenience within a secure environment, based on the shared usage of tablets or mobile applications.
The key feature of this product is the ability to establish personalized usage settings for multiple users on one device using original NEC technology. To switch settings, users simply hold an NFC*2-compatible card over a card reader on the screen’s right hand side.
The product can be customized extensively. Optional features include IP54 protection against dust and splashing water, a camera, NFC capabilities, different casing colors, and a custom-designed cradle. The glossy exterior finish helps to prevent the device from getting dirty, making it useful in a range of settings such as stores, factories, warehouses and nursing care support, or for applications such as telemedicine. In fiscal 2012, the product was adopted for use as in-store customer service tools at electronics retailers and as handheld devices by visiting sales representatives.
The optional cradle, which supplies power as well as USB and cable LAN interfaces, can easily be attached or detached with one hand. This means the user does not need to plug in these three connections.
Going forward, NEC plans to expand and upgrade the lineup of panel computers to offer customers greater convenience, security and reliability.
*2 Near Field Communication, a standard for next-generation wireless communications over short distances

Examples of Other Initiatives

"User-centered design" certification system

To promote UD within the NEC Group, NEC has created a new internal system to enable staff to obtain certification in user-centered design development methods. A special test assesses related practical knowledge gained over a period of about one year. A specially created evaluation panel of internal and external experts is overseeing the testing and certification process. As of March 2012, a total of 226 staff had obtained this qualification since the system began in November 2011.
The Japanese NPO Human Centered Design Organization certifies a specialist external qualification in human-centered design. Five specialists working in the NEC Group were awarded this qualification in fiscal 2012.

Universal design support framework

Working in close cooperation with related business divisions in the NEC Group, we have designed and developed a support framework for projects that require universal design principles and "user-centered design," with the aim of improving the process of developing products and services that incorporate universal design principles.
In fiscal 2012, NEC addressed accessibility standards for websites to be introduced by local government organizations and public network systems, while providing consultations on improving the usability of commercial information systems.

Employee Education and Awareness Raising

From fiscal 2009, NEC has been conducting Web-based "Universal Design Training," a training program designed for all NEC Group employees (including temporary staffing and seconded employees) at NEC Corporation. In fiscal 2012, NEC continued to offer the Web-based "Universal Design Training," to new graduate and mid-career recruits, as well as temporary staffing. This program was also offered as follow-up training for returning seconded employees from NEC Group companies. The total number of participants was 1,292 employees.
Furthermore, we held in-house seminars for participants to study various "user-centered design" techniques, and learn about development processes from outstanding examples within the Group. In this manner, we strove to enhance the awareness and skills of employees centered on software and hardware development personnel.

Fiscal 2012 Results

Stakeholder Communication

Presenting NEC product examples through external lectures and seminars

NEC Technical Journal carried a special feature on developing products friendly to humans and the earth through "user-centered design,", which discussed universal design initiatives within the NEC Group. Examples of the use of “user-centered design” at NEC have been introduced at a number of lectures and seminars in Japan, and at international conferences. In addition to publicizing the Group’s efforts in this area, these events provide an opportunity to gain feedback from lecture audiences and seminar participants as well as various stakeholders.
Many of the comments from stakeholders concerned the importance of reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) for the operation and maintenance of computing systems by improving ease-of-use, boosting operational efficiency, and reducing time needed to gain familiarity with systems. This information has been used as development feedback.
Some of the customers attending the lecture on the use of UD at NEC were interested in receiving assistance from NEC in trying to incorporate UD thinking into their products and services. This generated consulting opportunities for NEC.

Participation in activities of outside organizations

During fiscal 2012, NEC representatives contributed to the UD Working Group of the Design Committee of the Communications and Information Network Association of Japan (CIAJ). NEC is a regular member of CIAJ.
The UD Working Group was established in fiscal 2000 with the aim of making ICT more accessible to a wide range of users, including people with disabilities and seniors.
In fiscal 2012, the working group conducted various field tests in stations, airports and other public spaces to investigate UD issues relating to sound.

Objectives and Achievements

Objectives for the Medium Term (From Fiscal 2011 to Fiscal 2013) and Fiscal 2012, Achievements and Progress, and Degree of Completion

(Degree of completion: achieved/mostly achieved/some progress/no progress)

Fiscal 2013 Objectives

* Related Link: NEC’s universal design

For Customers

Ensuring Quality and Safety

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