Felix Newall-Smith

VisAble

Function - Ergonomic Features; Intuitive in shape, users understand its purpose and function through touch. Contrasting colours pick out the kettles important features and make it stand out. A low inwards curving spout not only helps users to align the kettle, it allows rotation around a vessels top edge, stopping the kettle slipping off to one side. The spouts base acts as a pivot point for users who wish to pour from a work-surface.

Existing user group aids - Many existing products were found to be stigmatising towards the user group, and sometimes impractical. I believed it would be possible to create an aid, not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing, through touch to the user group. Equally, the aid would have a contemporary style enabling it to blend in as a product, rather than a “clinical” aid in a modern day kitchen.

Conceptualisation - Initial concepts before client meeting one.

User-Centred design - User centred design focusing on meetings with the Bournemouth Society for Visually Impaired allowed the designer to understand the needs of the user group. Testing rigs and models during development ensured all design decisions made were from the bottom-up.

Chosen Concept Development - Visable's form and function were developed through a mixture of hand sketching, SolidWorks modelling and user group testing of rigs and models. The final form, along with a full set of engineering drawings and appropriate rigs and models to show functionality were then presented to the "client.” This processes took as little as eight weeks!

Colour-ways - To find the most contrasting colours, focus group testing, and testing of colour combinations on an inclusive design website were used.

VisAble; Exploded Diagram - VisAble is constructed from several sub assemblies, joined with simple inexpensive fastenings. The single plane of construction reduces assembly time and manufacturing costs.

Lid Flap Mechamsim, PCB and Reed switch tube - Lid Flap mechanism function: Housed in the lid a semi-compressed spring holds the spout flap shut when not in use. To open the flap, users pull the trigger, which pushes push rod 1. This in turn forces against push rod 2 connected via a coupling to the lid flap. Further compressing the spring, the flap opens. When the trigger is released, the springs force snaps the lid flap shut.

Fully working prototype - The prototype's main body was manufactured from eight separate mdf hand formed moulds, which were vacuum formed over. The main body was made from ABS plastic and includes a working kettle Element and control unit. Rapid-prototyping was used to produce the on-switch. Mechanisms were fabricated separately.

Design show - This image displays the stand I used at Bournemouth Universities Festival of Design and innovation. It enabled visitors to compare the advantages of VisAble in contrast to a normal electric kettle.

User testing - VisAble was tested by the users who helped with its development.

Future Improvements - Feedback from the user group suggested the improvements above.