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Design Methods & Communication

EasyPour

A modern drinks pouring device for users with limited dexterity

KEY SKILLS

User Centred Design

Problem Solving

Ergonomic Design

CAD Rendering and Animation

CAD Modelling

OVERVIEW

BRIEF

The brief was to identify a people centred problem with the primary aim to make their lives better. The problem which was identified was that "Elderly people struggle with pouring large or heavy drinks which leads to spillages and falls in the kitchen".

DELIVERABLES

5 page initial report
10 page final report
1 impact poster
1 technical poster

SOLUTION

The solution was to design a modern pouring aid which used engineering science to reduce strain on the user and looked aesthetically pleasing in a modern kitchen environment. The product utilises a Velcro strap and a rolling mechanism so that it can be used for a number of bottle sizes.

SOFTWARE USED

Siemens NX11

Illustrator

Blender

RESEARCH METHODS

Problem Deconstruction

As this task had an extremely broad brief, it was appropriate to conduct a deconstruction to break it into smaller and more manageable problems. From this, it was significantly clearer to see which groups of people were affected most as well as locations of these issues.

Storyboarding

Storyboarding is a research technique used to pictorially illustrate a process. and focuses heavily on user experience and pain points. This process allowed for the product to consider the user as well as the specific point at which they were feeling pain or struggling with a task.

Mechanism Ideation

The mechanism ideation for this project consisted of a number of key headings (such as lifting and tilting) which could have been employed for the final product. This helped to understand which methods or combination of methods were useful/feasible together.

Product Analysis and Market Intelligence

The product analysis for this project consisted of research into the current market and critically analysing each design. This process was useful in finding where the product would fit into the market and how it can be designed for a better user experience.

DESIGN METHODS AND ENGINEERING SCIENCE

Engineering Science

An integral part of the design process was to use basic engineering science principles such as free body force diagrams and tipping angles to identify the optimal design of the product.

Practical Analysis

A number of test samples were purchased to practically assess product dimensions and capabilities. This analysis was essential in providing key specifications for the PDS and also acting as a visual aid for enhanced product design

Design Ideas

A series of initial design ideas were created and critically analysed against the PDS to identify a leading concept/ combination of concepts that were to be taken forward. This process enabled a wide range of ideas to be considered.

Handle Ergonomics

Ergonomic analysis for a product aimed at the elderly is essential due to their limited dexterity. This area of design allowed me to develop an understanding of user requirements and constraints in the design process.