User Interface (U)

User Interface (U) describes the type of toilet, pedestal, pan, or urinal with which the user comes in contact; it is the way by which the user accesses the sanitation system. In many cases, the choice of User Interface will depend on the availability of water. Note that Greywater and Stormwater do not originate at the User Interface, but may be treated along with the products that originate from it.

The User Interface must guarantee that human excreta is hygienically separated from human contact to prevent exposure to faecal contamination.

There are two main types of interfaces: dry technologies that operate without water (U.1-U.3) and water-based technologies that need a regular supply of water to properly function (U.4-U.6). Different User Interface technologies generate different output products. This influences the subsequent type of Collection and Storage/Treatment or Conveyance technology.

The User Interface is the way in which the sanitation system is accessed.

U.01: Dry Toilet
U.02: Urine-Diverting Dry Toilet (UDDT)
U.03: Urinal
U.04: Pour Flush Toilet
U.05: Cistern Flush Toilet
U.06: Urine-Diverting Flush Toilet (UDFT)

In any given context, the technology choice generally depends on the following factors:

• Availability of water for flushing
• Habits and preferences of the users (sitting or squatting, washing or wiping)
• Special needs of user groups
• Local availability of materials
• Compatibility with the subsequent Collection and Storage/Treatment or Conveyance technology