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 p &VfW"F