The Project - Assistive Devices
Cheese Grater & Garlic Press
In this project I was tasked to design a cheese grater and garlic press for use by persons with reduced dexterity in their hands and fingers. The loss of dexterity might be due to injury, old age or for those suffering from an inflammatory medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The design solution was required to demonstrate an understanding of the limitations and difficulties faced by users with reduced dexterity by addressing the common problems faced.
Understanding the Issue
To successfully design a product which improves the quality of life for those with limited dexterity, it is so important to understand the issues experienced currently.
I completed an empathy study, where I tightly selotaped around my joints in my hands (limiting my movement) and completed day to day tasks.
Key Findings:
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Importance of low weight, and low force required.
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Larger products in general allowed users to hold and adapt their grip to suit them.
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Maximise the utility of “pincer movements”, using thumb-index finger or thumb-palm of hand grips
Developing the Solution
Starting with rough let-out sketches, I started to create three distinct concept directions for the product families. These were then pitched to my "client" who expressed their concept preference.
I started my highly iterative refinement process, focusing more on manufacturing and material technicalities, whist ensuring any queries raised by the client were addressed.
The Technicalities
Once I had established a detailed final concept, including dimension drawings - I moved on to building the two products in CAD (Solidworks). Utilising prior research, I was able to ensure all minimum wall thicknesses based on material specifications were met. I created this model as a single part, then split each body into separate parts, allowing me to then generate a Solidworks Assembly.
The Technicalities
My cheese greater CAD was a challenge to build, due to the non-uniform radii and the organic form of all the sides. I enjoyed discovering new tools and ways to create my desired form, which I have been able to utilise again in more recent projects.
The Final Design
The final design was fully brought to life when my rendering was complete. Displaying the two products side by side allows the client to see the cohesive and complimentary product links.
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Attention to detail, in terms of material finishes, accurately represents the final product and creates interest.
For more render images of this product, please click here!