Clearview South September 2014 - Issue 154 | Page 15

INDUSTRYNEWS

Handles: the user interface
of your windows
The manufacturer’s last consideration – but the first point of contact for end users.
From the manufacturer’s point of view,
fitting the handle is usually the last step
in the window manufacturing process.
In fact, it might not even be done at the
factory: the handle might be fitted on site,
after the window has been installed in the
building.
That means within the industry, we are
seeing the handle from a completely different
viewpoint. Most window manufacturers are
proud of their windows: they will tell you
about the materials used for the frames and
glazing, the security, thermal characteristics
etc. The chances are, the handle will be
mentioned last – if it gets mentioned at all.
But what about the customer’s viewpoint?
When the end user operates the window,
where is their attention focused first? On the
handle, of course.
You could say that the handle is the user
interface of your window.

People choose their smartphone because
the user interface works for them. They may
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