Sustainable Hygiene Solutions: Developing a Foot-Operated Door Mechanism for Communal Spaces Using TRIZ and Universal Design Principles

Traditional door mechanisms in public spaces, such as knob locks and standard handles, require manual contact, making them prone to contamination and posing significant health risks. To address the critical need for a safer and more hygienic solution, this study aimed to develop an innovative foot-operated door mechanism that is accessible and intuitive for all users. The study applies the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), ergonomic principles, and universal design to develop the foot-operated mechanism, while using Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) and the Kano model to evaluate user satisfaction and identify design improvements. The foot-operated mechanism developed in this study features internal and external pedals for seamless door operation, a secure locking system, and color-coded indicators for clear occupancy status communication, ensuring both ease of use and privacy. The design significantly enhances hygiene by minimizing manual contact and improves user convenience, as confirmed through the IPA-Kano analysis. This mechanism not only provides a practical and effective solution to contamination risks but also demonstrates versatility, making it suitable for various public spaces and accessible to a wide range of users. This study represents a significant contribution to public infrastructure by providing a safer, more hygienic, and sustainable solution for door operation in public spaces.