Assistive Design

Overview:

Addressing the specific needs of Emily, a  young adult with cerebral palsy, our project focused on developing an innovative kitchen mixer designed to facilitate ease of use for individuals with cerebral palsy and limited mobility. Our goal was to enable Emily to mix ingredients independently, without the strain or risk associated with traditional mixers.

Problem:

Cerebral palsy affects Emily's motor skills, making common kitchen tasks like mixing ingredients a substantial challenge due to:

• Difficulty in maintaining grip and stability when using standard mixers.

• Increased risk of dropping the appliance or ingredients due to involuntary movements and muscle weakness.

  
  

Solution:

Our solution is a custom-designed mixer that incorporates several key features to address these challenges:

• Weight Distribution: The mixer is engineered to distribute its weight more evenly, reducing the perceived heaviness and easing the physical burden on the user.

• Dual Handles: Two ergonomically designed handles are added on the sides, offering enhanced stability and control for users with coordination difficulties.

• Automatic Ejectors: The mixer includes an innovative mechanism for automatic ejection of the mixing attachments, eliminating the need for forceful removal and further simplifying the cooking process for individuals with limited strength.

Challenges and Takeaways:

Developing a mixer that is both lightweight and robust enough to handle the rigors of daily use, while also being easy for someone with cerebral palsy to operate, presented a unique set of engineering and design challenges. Through iterative design and user feedback, we successfully created a prototype that met these requirements.This project underscored the importance of inclusive design and the profound impact it can have on individuals’ independence and quality of life. By closely collaborating with Emily and considering her specific needs, we learned valuable lessons in adaptability, empathy in design, and the potential for technology to significantly improve daily living for people with disabilities.