Function

The MultiAT Multi Functional Arthritis Tool, has 6 different functions all aimed at helping people who have arthritis overcome everyday problems. The 6 functions all centred around an ergonomic easy grip handle are: - Door Knob Turner - Key Turner - Tap Turner - Bottle Opener - Can Opener - Shirt Puller

Inspiration

Inspiration came from the idea that disabled products stigmatize the user. Many products design for arthritis sufferers neglect the aesthetics due to a poor understanding of their user. Many arthritis sufferers are between 20 and 40 and not in the older market. They care more about design and styling and how the product is going to make them look. The aesthetic issues with modern arthritis tools were overcome through the design of this product. The sufferers researched also said that they wish they could have a handy tool that could do all the things they have difficulty with in one simple and concise solution.

Development

After researching in depth into the true needs of the user extensive iterative morphological analysis on the arrangement of functions to achieve a harmonious balance between aesthetics and function. The tap turner and door knob turner are grouped as similar sizes and designed symmetrically, while being placed on the end of the handle to achieve leverage. The bottle opener follows the cylinder shape providing continuity of form. The can opener hook on the end also follows the contours of the handle to reduce cognitive load on the user. Lastly techniques of affordance have been practiced. The blue parts of the product show parts which will come into contact with something . The handle looks like it should be held by guiding the eyes along the ergonomic shape. The bottle opener and can opener are both blue to differentiate from the base form. And finally the inside sections of the door knob and tap turner are coloured to indicate where the contact will be made.