Alloy partnered with BT to design the Big Button 200, a corded home phone created to support inclusive communication. The product was developed with older users and those with hearing or dexterity impairments in mind-offering large, tactile buttons, hearing-aid compatibility, amplified speech, and a hands-free option to encourage ease of use and accessibility.
Outcome: A production-ready inclusive device that helps users connect with loved ones more easily. The Big Button 200 continues BT’s tradition of accessibility-focused product design and reflects Alloy’s long-standing relationship in delivering mass-market communications hardware with purpose and clarity.
Larger button size
Buttons are 40% larger than standard BT corded phones to improve accessibility for elderly users.Improved clarity
Speech clarity improved by 25% through tone control and amplification.Units sold
Over 3 million units sold across BT’s Big Button series, supporting widespread adoption in the UK.The BT Big Button 200 was created to meet a critical yet underserved user need: enabling those with visual, auditory, or physical impairments to stay connected to loved ones with confidence and ease. Designed as a home phone for elderly or inclusive users, it features amplified speech, extra-large buttons, hearing aid compatibility, and a hands-free function-balancing utility and dignity in everyday communication. Alloy partnered with BT to reimagine a core utility product through the lens of inclusive design, ensuring every detail-from tactile feedback to button contrast—was tuned for maximum accessibility and comfort.
To validate the design’s real-world effectiveness, Alloy conducted a rigorous user testing programme. We used inclusive testing tools, including simulation goggles for visual impairments and gloves mimicking dexterity limitations, to experience the product from the perspective of users with a wide range of abilities. This immersive testing helped us refine ergonomics, sizing, and contrast to an unprecedented degree. The resulting design was not only a commercial success but also established a blueprint within BT for inclusive design standards across future devices.