The Directory - Faculty of Engineering - University of Leeds

32
“ This product liberates
visually impaired users in
an area where they have
once been restricted.”
> LIAM gArDnEr
KITCHEN DRAINAGE
UTENSIL FOR THE
vISUALLY IMPAIRED
In an increasingly inclusive society there is still
significant scope for catering for the visually
impaired. Every day an estimated 100 people begin
to lose their sight and a 2005 study conducted
by RNIB showed that over 2 million people in the
UK have significant visual impairment. very few
specialist products tackle the issue of how these
users operate within the kitchen, more specifically
in using boiling water. Although statistics show a
significant annual number of burning and scalding
incidents in blind or partially sighted users, the
majority tend to avoid cooking in such a way
altogether.
> Contact Details
Brookdale, Mill Lane, Lower Peover,
Cheshire, WA16 9QX
Liamgardner_1287@hotmail.com
> Career Aims
Pursue interest in Marketing and
Product Design.
My product is designed for the inclusive world and
can fit into any number of kitchen environments.
It helps liberate visually impaired users in an area
where they may have once felt restricted. My
product provides users with a safe and simple
solution to boiling and draining hot or cold food
without having to juggle two utensils over the
kitchen sink. It is unique from existing products as
it uses a lid with a locking mechanism that, through
a simple drop and twist motion, will securely attach
to the drainage insert (middle section). The glass
lid allows the food and water levels of the pan to be
constantly visible. Once the lid has been locked into
place the user can either slowly lift the insert and lid
out from the boiling pan to allow the water to drain
back into the pan or lift it out over the sink. The
cut away section on the side of the drainage insert
allows the food to be poured out onto your plate.
Alternatively the user can simply unlock the lid and
remove the contents using a serving utensil. Both
the main pan handle and the lid handle have been
ergonomically designed to make it as easy and
comfortable as possible for the user to operate the
utensil safely. The vibrant yellow is a stark contrast
from the stainless steel body and makes it easier for
the user to establish a secure contact.