Project Overview
This project involved the design and development of a one-handed product, in the form of a pan holder, for a user who only has use of their right hand. A typical User Centred Design Process was followed, and the project was carried out in conjunction with a Bath-based charity called Designability.
This project involved the design and development of a one-handed product, in the form of a pan holder, for a user who only has use of their right hand. A typical User Centred Design Process was followed, and the project was carried out in conjunction with a Bath-based charity called Designability.
- Retired stroke victim
- Enjoys cooking and gardening but doesn’t do much anymore due to finding it too difficult
- Only has use of right side of her body, with limited grip strength. Assisted by an FES in her left leg to aid with walking
My Contributions
Projects in collaboration with 3 members of the team to research and develop a solution. As part of the user centered design unit, we were working in collaboration with Designability and an assigned user. Throughout the course, our user has been able to support the design process by sharing their personal experiences living with a disability and giving feedback on designs and prototypes. We employed a typical User Centered Design (UCD) process model, with the key stages being planning, designing, prototyping, reviewing and iterating as necessary.
Projects in collaboration with 3 members of the team to research and develop a solution. As part of the user centered design unit, we were working in collaboration with Designability and an assigned user. Throughout the course, our user has been able to support the design process by sharing their personal experiences living with a disability and giving feedback on designs and prototypes. We employed a typical User Centered Design (UCD) process model, with the key stages being planning, designing, prototyping, reviewing and iterating as necessary.
User Centered Design
Autodesk Inventor
Product design and development
Autodesk Inventor
The Project Timeline
Immersion Studies
We conducted immersion studies to gain a better understanding of our user's disability and the difficulties they might face. We restricted themselves to using only one hand while carrying out everyday tasks like stirring pots, opening letters, and charging a device. Through this exercise, we gained valuable insights into the user's problems and generated ideas to solve them. The study also identified potential difficulties associated with performing these tasks using only one hand. We also conducted a kitchen-based experiment where a meal was prepared using only one hand. We found that the process was challenging and required a significant amount of effort, highlighting the need to consider the entire process the user would go through while developing a solution, not just the time spent using the product.
We conducted immersion studies to gain a better understanding of our user's disability and the difficulties they might face. We restricted themselves to using only one hand while carrying out everyday tasks like stirring pots, opening letters, and charging a device. Through this exercise, we gained valuable insights into the user's problems and generated ideas to solve them. The study also identified potential difficulties associated with performing these tasks using only one hand. We also conducted a kitchen-based experiment where a meal was prepared using only one hand. We found that the process was challenging and required a significant amount of effort, highlighting the need to consider the entire process the user would go through while developing a solution, not just the time spent using the product.
Initial Brainstorming Process
Following the selection of four ideas (cheese grater, jar opener, iPad charger, and pot holder) to develop further, each team member took an idea to brainstorm individually, aided by the insights gained from the immersion studies. The resulting ideas were combined and presented to the user for initial feedback, as per the typical User-Centered Design (UCD) process.
Following the selection of four ideas (cheese grater, jar opener, iPad charger, and pot holder) to develop further, each team member took an idea to brainstorm individually, aided by the insights gained from the immersion studies. The resulting ideas were combined and presented to the user for initial feedback, as per the typical User-Centered Design (UCD) process.
Initial Concept Generation
The team's first concept was inspired by the user's difficulty with grating cheese during their initial meeting, where they had to use their torso to hold the grater. The proposed solution involved a clamp mechanism to restrict the grater's movement and a cushion for support. The concept aimed to make the process more comfortable and less messy, with a removable collection bowl. While the user appreciated aspects like the cushion and clamp, they felt that the product lacked diversity since it served only one purpose - cheese grating.
We also identified that the user struggled with opening jars and bottles in the kitchen. The immersion study revealed that securing the bottom of the jar would be the best approach to help the user twist off the lid with one hand. Various concepts were developed, including a clamp similar to the cheese grater and a weighted block with a high-grip underside, with two ways to secure the jar - using a belt or a 3-point contact system. While the user found the belt idea simple, they were uncertain about the three-clamp system's efficacy as it required significant force to hold the jar in place. There were also concerns about whether the clamp mechanism would work on the user's countertop, and if the weighted block idea would provide enough resistance to open a jar.
Our third design concept aimed to address the difficulty our user faced when connecting a charger to their iPad and kindle using one hand. We discovered during our immersion study that the easiest way to achieve this was to hold the device against another surface. To increase functionality, we introduced modularity in the design, which allowed us to incorporate grater, peeler, and juicer attachments. The user appreciated the multipurpose aspect of the design but expressed concerns about how to remove the charging cable from the device, a factor we had not previously considered. Additionally, the user did not feel that it was appropriate to combine kitchen tools with an iPad accessory due to the potential for mess.
We observed that our user struggled to stir sauces in a pan, as the pan frequently rotated and slipped off the hob. We brainstormed ideas for how to constrain the pan and prevent it from rotating. The most simple and effective solution we developed involved holding the handle of the pan in place with a device that had no moving parts. Our user greatly appreciated the simplicity of the design and believed it would be helpful when cooking on a hob. Some concerns were raised regarding the possibility of the pan still being able to move linearly, but we believed that any such issue could be easily resolved.
This concept utilized suction cups and hooks to secure the pan firmly by grabbing onto its sides. The hooks were adjustable in height to fit various pan sizes and shapes. The user gave us positive feedback on this design, but they favoured the primary idea for its simplicity. Following our discussion with the user, we recognized that this design might pose a danger since it could be challenging to detach the pan quickly, as required during cooking.
The focus of this concept was on providing a solution to secure multiple pans simultaneously. The design features a wire frame that can be shaped around the handles of the pans, and is placed in the center of the hob. During the ideation phase, we explored various methods of attaching the pan holder to the hob, including the use of magnets. However, concerns were raised about the potential degradation of the magnets due to exposure to heat. The user expressed that they may not often cook with more than two pans at once, but appreciated the possibility of being able to secure multiple pans with this design.
Further concept generation and prototypes
Prototypes were created in order to assess the practicality and feasibility of the concepts we have selected.
Prototypes were created in order to assess the practicality and feasibility of the concepts we have selected.
The prototype had a sturdy foundation composed of modelling clay, supplemented by Lego elements to reinforce its structure.
The prototype underwent testing by stirring thick porridge in a pan with one hand, first without the aid and then with the aid. When the aid was not used, the pan kept shifting around the hob and eventually began to slide off the heat plate. However, there was a noticeable improvement in stability when the aid was employed. We were able to stir with greater speed and force without the pan moving. Furthermore, there were seemingly no issues with lateral movement, which was initially a concern during the design phase. Nevertheless, since the prototype was not tested on a gas hob, concerns were raised about its ability to prevent a pan from sliding on a smaller contact surface area
Initial CAD models were also formed at this stage to visualize a fully stylized version of the prototype.
To evaluate the feasibility of a pan holder designed to sit at the center of a hob and accommodate up to four pans simultaneously, a prototype was developed. The concept aimed to employ magnets both to secure the device in place and to attach the pan handles firmly to the product. However, during testing, it quickly became evident that this design allowed for less flexibility and was too large to fit in the center of a hob. Additionally, it became clear that placing a product in the center of a hob would not be safe due to concerns of the product becoming too hot, as well as the magnets deteriorating because of the heat.
The third prototype developed was a pan handle clamp. This design drew inspiration from existing technologies, specifically a guitar capo. It was intended to be placed on top of an existing gas hob grate and clamp onto a pan handle to keep it in place. The advantage of this design is its ability to firmly grip the pan handle. However, there were concerns regarding the distance between the pan and the flames. To create this prototype, two gas hob grates were stacked on top of each other, and clips were utilized to position the guitar capo correctly. While the basic shape of the concept was achieved, its functionality could not be tested. Initial concerns regarding this prototype included the height of the pan above the hob, which would result in slower cooking times - a highly undesirable feature for the product.
To ensure comprehensive coverage of specific user requirements, we opted to conduct a design sprint, with the objective of addressing the problem of pan stability on a gas hob. We generated various ideas and produced rapid concept sketches for further discussion.
Initially, the ideas generated focused on rethinking the problem and finding alternative solutions, such as using weight to stabilise a pan instead of fastening it down. However, these concepts encountered certain issues, as the weight of the product alone might not be sufficient to keep the pan in place and prevent it from rotating. Furthermore, there were concerns that such an approach could actually worsen the problem by creating balance issues for a gas hob.
The second idea proposed involved a gas hob fitting that could be attached to a gas hob grate, and which would keep a pan steady with the help of four adjustable arms. This design aimed for maximum universality, with adaptable "fingers" that could securely hold pans of varying sizes in place.
A rapid prototype was created for the Adjustable Gas Hob Pan Aid idea. The purpose was to gain an initial understanding of the design's mechanism, as well as to outline the general shape of the product and give an idea of its final form.
Design Solution 1 - Simple Pan Holder
To test the feasibility of the design, an initial prototype was developed and tested. Subsequently, we prioritized aesthetics since the product's simple form was a significant selling point. Additionally, we aimed to offer users the flexibility of storing it on a kitchen work surface instead of a cupboard.
Our goal was to create a final design that included a broad base for stability, curved sides for both a pleasing appearance and ease of use, and sufficient height to accommodate various sizes of saucepans. To achieve a weight of 300g, we filled the hollow interior of the 3D print with clay. Additionally, we utilized rubber for the bottom to ensure high friction with kitchen surfaces.
Design Solution 2 -Pan Aid for Gas Hobs
Design solution 2 incorporates 'pinch and lock mechanism' and one of the most consistent features of almost all gas hobs - the 90-degree angles between the grate spokes surrounding the flame ring. Our product is designed to accommodate small to medium saucepans and saucepots, ranging from 14-21cm. Moreover, the design could benefit from attaching the product around the grate to enhance stability.
Compared to design solution 1, we are more confident that this product can effectively address the user's problem by ensuring that the pan remains concentric with the ring. This is especially crucial on gas hobs to prevent the saucepan from tipping, which could result in potentially hazardous situations.
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