Door handles are an essential part of our daily lives, used countless times without much thought. They are found everywhere, from homes to offices to public spaces. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on door handles as potential high-touch surfaces for the transmission of germs and viruses. As a result, the door handle design has become a hot topic in the architecture and design industries. This blog will explore the importance of door handles, their potential as high-touch surfaces, innovations in door handle design and materials, the debate over the most effective solutions, and the implications for the future of door handle design.

Door handles as high-touch surfaces for germs and viruses:

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us more aware of the potential for germs and viruses to spread through high-touch surfaces such as door handles. Since many people touch door handles, they have become a source of concern for public health and safety. There is a need for easy-to-clean and disinfect door handles to reduce the spread of disease in public spaces. A study conducted by the University of Arizona found that bacteria can survive on door handles for up to 72 hours, emphasizing the need for effective door handle solutions.

Innovations in door handle design and materials:

Designers and manufacturers have been innovating door handle design and materials to meet the needs of the current situation. One solution is the use of antimicrobial coatings, which prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Copper and brass are popular materials for antimicrobial door handles due to their inherent antimicrobial properties. Other innovative solutions include touchless options and hands-free alternatives. These designs use sensors or foot pedals to operate the door handle without the need for physical contact.

Debate over effective and efficient door handle solutions:

The debate over the most effective door handle solutions for public health and safety continues to be a topic of discussion in the architecture and design industries. There is a balance between functionality and aesthetics, as well as user preferences and behaviours. For example, touchless door handles may be more hygienic but can be expensive to install and maintain. On the other hand, traditional door handles are less expensive but require regular cleaning and disinfecting.

Implications for the future of door handle design:

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of door handle design for public health and safety. As a result, there will likely be continued innovation in door handle design and materials to meet the needs of the current situation. The use of antimicrobial coatings, touchless options, and hands-free alternatives will become more prevalent in public spaces. However, traditional door handles will still have a place in many settings, such as homes and small businesses.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, door handle design has become a hot topic due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The potential for door handles to be high-touch surfaces for the transmission of germs and viruses has led to innovations in design and materials. Antimicrobial coatings, touchless options, and hands-free alternatives are becoming more prevalent in public spaces. The debate over the most effective and efficient solutions continues, and the future of door handle design will likely involve a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and user preferences and behaviours.

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This article was first published at https://topclickblogs.co.za/door-handle-design-innovations-and-implications-for-in-the-age-of-covid-19/