Adaptive Yogurt Open Tool
People with Guillain-Barre Syndrome struggle to grasp thin things with limited force on their fingers. This causes many difficulties in their life. The goal of this project is to start with small breakthroughs and slowly grow into broader aspects.
Role
Product Designer, Circuit Designer
Time
6 weeks, 2023
Tool
Arduino, Fusion 360
Research
In February of 2023, I met Michael Ring, a disability activist. Disability brings many inconveniences to his life. The loss of his ability to work prevents him from buying expensive assistive devices on the market. Therefore, I decided to design with him. I got a preliminary understanding of his living condition and his disability by reading his blog, searching online information, and asking his occupational therapist.
Reference: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/
Design Ideation
After the basic research, I had the chance to talk with Michael for one hour. After listening to Michael describe the difficulties he encountered in his life due to his hand disability, I summarized them and start brainstorming. Finally, I came up with four solutions. After considering the time constraints and technical ability, I decided to design an auto yogurt lid opener.
Sketch
Anatomy
I made the first version of the product based on those informations.
Safety Concerns
Since this produce is going to be used by a senior customer frequently at home, I double-checked the voltage and wiring of it to make sure it will not burn out.
Usability Test (1.0)
On March 20, 2023, I had the chance to meet Michael again in person. I shared with him my idea and design process. Eventually, I invited him to try the product.
After observing him use this lid opener, I noticed the entire product was too large for Michael to hold in one hand. It is so round and smooth that it slips out of Michael's hand quickly. The joystick was not positioned in the right way that was easy for him to maneuver.
Update
After user testing, I decided to modify the product from the following aspects:
Size - Change the width of it to the same width as a mobile phone, since Michael can hold his phone in one hand very well.
Joystick Position - Let Michael can control it by using the back of the other hand.
Outlook - Add more details to increase user experience.
Final Design
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