Mira Showers introduces the new Mira Select Flex: a mixer shower designed in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to support a wide range of accessibility needs.
This update to the Mira Select range leverages cutting-edge technology to offer inclusivity and sustainability. The inclusively designed mixer shower supports users with a wide range of accessibility needs, including those with limited visual acuity, dexterity, or mobility, as well as vulnerable users. Developed specifically for aid and adaptation installations and using the same inclusive design principles as the Mira Advance, Mira Select Flex enables more confident independent showering, and easier assisted care showering.
The new mixer shower is designed and constructed to provide a more relaxing and pleasurable showering experience for all, including the visually impaired, Mira worked closely with the RNIB from project conception right through to completion.
Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at RNIB, said: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Mira on the Select project.
“What we’ve really seen here is a company who’ve been willing to ask questions, to listen to users, to consult with expert organisations, and then to take those findings and actually integrate them into the design process so that what comes out at the other end is a thoughtfully designed, inclusive and pleasant to use product.”
Flexibility and accessibility
This innovative shower has been specifically designed to provide an enhanced accessible showering experience that can be used whether standing, seated or with the assistance of a carer. Featuring a visually optimised design developed in conjunction with the RNIB, it is the only RNIB ‘Tried and Tested’ accredited mixer shower.
During Mira’s product development process, all user touchpoints were considered and extensive user testing with the target audience conducted to ensure an effective, inclusive design, to provide a safe and enjoyable showering experience for users with accessibility needs.
Visually optimised, accessible design
The Mira Select Flex incorporates multiple features, its simple push-button actuation for example, negates the need to adjust temperature and flow control every time the shower is used, making it far easier to operate particularly where assisted showering is required.
The shower’s detents and visuals have been developed in conjunction with the RNIB to ensure that it is optimised for those with visual impairments. The high contrast colours used, along with an anti-reflective surface makes showering controls more visible, and raised icons and tactile graphics have also been incorporated.
Easy to operate
Egonomic controls, including an easy-grip loop-handle lever for temperature and a lever for flow adjustment plus audible feedback, ensure the shower is easily handled by all users; in particular, those with limited dexterity.
The patented low-friction slide bar enables easy, one-handed adjustment of showerhead height between standing and seated showering. Moreover, the showerhead has been optimised to provide a gentle spray mode, suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Designed to last
Internally tested beyond average lifetime use, Mira Select Flex ensures durability through design and materials, including a brass valve and TMV3 approval. Durability is tested in several ways, including testing to simulate up to 100 years of use. Mira’s commitment to quality includes real-life testing on trial sites to provide reassurance in performance and usability.
Sustainable design
Mira considers Design for the Environment (DfE) a core tenet of its product development as part of its environmental efforts. On the new shower, Mira has included the use of sustainable materials such as high performing internals to limit environmental impact whilst providing a premium finish.
The Select Flex has also been designed to offer retrofit capability and to futureproof properties. Such innovation is vital to meeting the amended Part L Building Regulations, which aims to reduce the carbon output of new dwellings by 31%.
Alex Hyslop, Associate Marketing Director at Mira Showers, said: “We’ve been collaborating with the RNIB for many years now. We worked with them on our Mira Advance electric shower, which is well-recognised as the best in its class. We believe that working with expert organisations, such as the RNIB and occupational therapists, helps us bring the very best product to market.
“I’m really proud of the new Select Flex, as it exemplifies inclusive design and putting the end user at the centre of the design process, to make showering accessible for everyone.”
