What factor of human factors concerns reach range for accessible design?

• A. The maximum comfortable reach distance from seated or standing positions (approximately 15–18 inches from a seated surface; 24–30 inches from standing).
• B. The minimum swing area required for wheelchair doors.
• C. The typical eye level for adult users.
• D. The standard desk depth for workstation layouts.

Answer: (A)

Reach range defines how far a person can comfortably reach from seated or standing positions, and it’s essential for ensuring controls and objects are operable without overreaching. In accessible design, placing elements within this maximum reach envelope lets users, including those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, operate them from a natural position. The typical distances—about 15–18 inches from a seated surface and 24–30 inches from standing—show the practical limits of comfortable reach, guiding where to place switches, handles, and other controls so they’re usable without strain or assistance.

Other factors like the minimum swing area for wheelchair doors relate to clearance for movement, not how far someone can reach to operate something. Eye level concerns visibility and sightlines, not reach. Desk depth affects workspace layout, but it doesn’t define the reach envelope used to determine operable distances for accessible design.