This project aimed to show how human-centred design recommendations can be derived from applied ergonomics research to make the product more inclusive for users of all abilities. A product analysis through ergonomic literature review, context of use, product usability and inclusivity principles were applied to identify the main human factor problems involved and potential solutions.
Primary Stage
The ergonomic literature review allowed physical and cognitive ergonomic factors to surface. This gave the project a good direction to develop to find the precise issues and how they could be rectified.
Dexterity disabilities presented the target users for this project. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis cause damage to the flexible synovial membrane of joints, in particular the small joints found in the hands and wrists.
The storyboard below presents the intended use of a hand blender and the problem areas that could arise from such use. The red areas have been highlighted to show which joints in the hand and wrist will be most prone to stress and pressure from using a hand blender.
The second image outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the three hand blenders selected for the project.
Secondary Stage
The following images are of five human factor issues that have been defined from the user and usability research in the primary stage of the project. The five issues relate to: wrist posture, hand grasp, twisting, size and weight and tactile experience.
Redesign Recommendations
Each issue has been addressed and recommendations made as to how they can be redesigned in order to become more inclusive for users with dexterity disabilities.
