Pour With Ease
Specialised kettle to reduce strain when pouring for people with arthritis. The simplistic yet effective base of the kettle allows support for the user to reduce strain on joints and to gain independence. With many accessible designs, the desirability of products are low, however, with this kettle, it allows for a stylish and aesthetic design while still being fully accessible.
Ideation Stage
These sketches helped the conceptualisation to help solve the problem identification. Different ideations were sketch modelled using simple modelling techniques and analysis to help identify the strong and truly weak design ideas.
Iterations
The base plate was calculated by using Solidworks CAD software to find the kettles max internal volume. This was calculated to be 1.4L. The body of the kettle was then 3D printed and weighed on scales. After this, the kettle was filled with 1.4L of water (1.4kg). The kettle was then poured at an angle to which water started to leave out of the spout. This angle was then calculated by finding the height then using trigonometry.
It was also calculated using mechanics that the end of the base would tip upwards when the force from the kettle is applied.
Rapid Prototyping
Below shows the 3D printed models created of the product. This design work was 'User-Centred Design' (UCD) driven, and therefore these rapid prototypes can help users identify product semiotics and semantics.
User-Centred Design
The end user was kept in mind during the design process. Using product semantics and semiotics, the design has great usability. Some examples are the use of a distinguisher and icon on the button located on the handle.
The lid was inspired from the 'Ying-Yang' in Chinese culture. This lid is a lot easier to open than traditional kettle lids due to having 2 'handles' inside allowing for double the force to lift open/close.
Design Solution
The 135° angle on the base of the kettle allows for support when pouring the kettle. This angle allows for 1.4L of water inside the kettle to be poured out easily. The stylish angular form on the kettle allows for all 4 cups of boiling water to be poured out safely and pain free for the user.
This simple design solution can help millions of people suffering from making a cup of tea every single day.
Desirability
Most designs that are aimed to help people with disabilities and have usability qualities are normally designed with function over form. However, in this design project, I created a product that doesn't only solve a large problem, but also made the design very desirable.
Thank You
To view the full design process, please send me an email: joseph.bromley@gmail.com
