Design Modification case study examples

Focus on the Elderly

Smartphones can be challenging for seniors, but with a few modifications, they can become user-friendly and accessible. Some possible changes include larger fonts, simplified icons, and voice-activated assistants. Other useful features might include medication reminders, fall detection, and rapid deployment of emergency contacts in a crisis.

Home assistance gadgets

Get a grip on knobs, handles, petrol caps and taps that are difficult to turn. The Etac universal turner is pressed onto and forms around hard-to-turn objects for easy opening with a rotate of the thick-handled grip.

• Springy hexagonal pegs shape around contoured knobs, handles and objects

• Thick, angled grip for right and left-handed use

• Elastic hanging strap

Open cans with ease and rotate the can opener around to stop bugs invading and drowning in cans and soft drinks. No more extra protein!

• Reusable can opener

• Rotate about the can to use as a bug stopper

• Locks in place on standard cans

• Comes in six different colours for everyone to keep track of their drinks

This two piece jar opener set will get your jars, cans and bottles opened with ease! The jar opener set is particularly helpful in the kitchen for individuals with arthritic hands or a weaker hand grip; but who hasn't had trouble gripping and opening jars, popping open cans and unscrewing bottles? This jar opener set is a necessity in every kitchen!

With this durable and grippy jar opener set, you'll discover a gadget to:

• lift and pop open beer and soft drink cans

• lift and peel back pull tab tin cans

• release the vacuum seal on jars lids

• open new, sealed jars

• open soft drink and water bottles

• pop the caps off beer bottles

The jar, can and bottle opening set is a great gift idea and companion for independence in the kitchen.

The new PenAgain by Ergo-Sof allows the hand to take a natural shape when writing, delivering a tension-free writing experience. With its unique 'wishbone' shape, both the side fingers and arm motion are used to guide the pen, removing the need to grip tightly with the fingers and thumb. The PenAgain is finished with a soft touch coating that adds extra comfort, grip and style. The natural weight of the hand provides the downward pressure to write.

The PenAgain is a popular choice as an arthritis pen and is suitable for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries, Parkinson’s, arthritic hands, an arthritic thumb, weaker hand strength or dexterity challenges.

Our extra thick pens are easy to hold and suitable for individuals with arthritis, weaker hand strength, gripping or dexterity challenges. Children can also find greater writing control with a thick pen. The extra thick pens have a large barrel to make writing more comfortable with a larger area to grasp. The non-slip rubber grips reduce stress on the fingers and joints usually required to hold a pen. The extra thick pens write smoothly with a medium ballpoint, and come with an attachable lanyard. The thick pen barrels come in 4 bright colours

Avoid the strenuous twisting, turning and sharp edges involved in opening cans with this One Touch electric can opener. Simply place the electric can opener on the can, press the button, and the electric can opener does all the heavy work!

The electric can opener uses magnets to hold onto the top of cans as it glides around to remove the lid. The lid stays attached to the can opener and can be ejected with one push -  no sharp edges or risk of cuts.

• Opens all standard round cans (diameters of 5.2cm - 15.3cm)

• Magnetically holds onto top of can and to removed lid

• Small and compact

• Easy to clean

• Automatically turns off

An ergonomically designed thick-handled cutlery set with attachable grip pads for hands to fit around comfortably and securely. Specifically designed by Ornamin for people with arthritis, a weaker hand grip, rest tremors, limited hand mobility or dexterity challenges.

The thick-handled cutlery set consists of three pieces: a knife, fork and spoon. The knife is designed to sit between the index and middle finger, and to be held like a pad. The thick-handled cutlery set feels pleasant to hold and looks very presentable.

• Ergonomic cutlery set (knife, fork and spoon)

• High-quality stainless steel - rustproof, dimensionally stable, hygienic, acid-resistant

• Non-slip slide-on handles

Ornamin's Two-Handled Mug with a discreet internal cone is intelligently designed for drinking without tipping the head back and with less movement of the arms and shoulders. The large handles allow for a comfortable and secure grip or to otherwise slide the hands through. The double-walled thermal design keeps tea and coffee warm for longer, but the mug remains cool to touch.

• Conically shaped inside for drinking without tipping the head back

• Double-walled thermal design

• 160ml volume (small volume)

• Large ergonomic handles

• Wide base supports stability

• White internal cone for easy identification of drink type and level

The multi-use grip by Etac provides a thick and comfortable handle to grip securely to many items such as a toothbrush, shaver, and nail file. The multi-use grip is rounded, lightweight and rests securely in the whole hand.

• Multipurpose, ergonomic gripping aid

• Most suitable for shorter-handled grooming items

• Flexible large hole 18mm in diameter which narrows to hold items firmly

• Flexible 16mm slit which holds thin items

• Includes 3 nail files

Independently brush hair without putting undue stress on the hand, arm, neck, and shoulders with the Etac long-handled hairbrush. You'll find the curved handle thick and grippy, holding the hairbrush close to the body for controlled brushing and styling.

The long-handled hairbrush is suitable for wet or dry hair and the brush bed is slightly elastic, held strongly in place for the toughest of detangling. The brush has plastic bristles with scalp-protective round heads.

• Ergonomically designed 36cm long-handled hairbrush

• Non-slip thick handle

• Light weight and durable

A great solution to buttoning shirts and zipping up pants and jackets for anyone who finds grasping buttons and zippers challenging while dressing. This button aid and zipper hook supports independence while dressing. Don buttoned shirts and do up the cuffs without frustration! Zip up that fly without hassle!

• thick handle

• grippy anti-slip surface

• steel loop designed for common button sides and button holes

• steel hook for sliding into zipper pulls

• fits most buttons and zips

A button helper and zipper helper for mature hands. Suitable for people with arthritis in the hands, limited dexterity, and weaker hand grip.

Elderly suffering with Dementia

Smart Furniture for Seniors

Design furniture with adjustable height, built-in fall detection sensors, and voice-activated controls. Also, include charging ports for devices like smartphones and wearable tech.