It can be difficult for people with limited mobility and dexterity in their hands and fingers to comfortably use standard cutlery tools. Difficulty with precise hand motions and muscle weakness can make mealtime seem impossible. I set out to design a utensil that enabled the user, rather than disabling them.
tools used: Adobe Illustrator, Rhino 7
my role: design a set of utensils and complimentary packaging
instructor: Kate Catterall
course: DES 326 Objects & Spaces
timeline: 4 weeks
Design is what creates either ability or disability, not the person.
I grew up watching my older brother with cerebral palsy overcome many obstacles and adapt to his disabilities to be able to thrive.
Most people don’t think twice when they pick up a spoon or fork and lift it up to their mouth to feed themselves. For others like my brother, gripping the thin handle is unstable and unsupportive.
<aside> 📌 Can I design an easy grip utensil that can enable any user, regardless of disability?
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