Curvaid
Cutting Tool for Older Adults
The elderly population often experiences hand difficulties due to various health conditions, significantly impacting their ability to perform daily tasks. This project focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals in the kitchen, aiming to enhance their independence, safety, and quality of life.
Research
Elderly individuals encounter numerous obstacles related to cutting in the kitchen, including difficulty in gripping and holding knives and other cutting tools and lack of stability during cutting, leading to imprecise and potentially dangerous cuts. These challenges not only reduce their independence but also pose potential dangers, making cutting activities a critical area for intervention.
Identified design opportunities include:
Ergonomic Stability: Develop cutting tools and accessories that enhance stability during use, addressing issues with gripping, holding, and positioning.
Ease of Use: Explore structural design solutions that make the holding and positioning steps easier and more intuitive.
Acceptance: Ensure that cutting tools are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, promoting acceptance among older adults.
Development
During this project many different concepts were created. With a very limited timeline it was important to quickly make physical models to test the concepts and see its potential.
We were pleased with the Curvaid concept in several different aspects, and was it was further developed to fulfil the needs.
During this project my contribution included, but was not limited to: Ideation and creation of the Curvaid concept, physical modeling of the concepts, testing and 3D renderings.
Final Concept - Curvaid
Curveaid is a knife guide that features an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and increased strength and serrated edge for gripping the item for precise and safe cuts. The protective guard keeps fingers safe from the blade, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. Versatile and adaptable, this tool can be used with various knives and food items. The tool is designed to aestheticallt fit in among other design items, promoting acceptance among older adults.
