Electric Kettle and Mug Set
Specifically designed for individuals with poor or blurry vision, providing a safe, controlled and pleasant
water-pouring experience.
Product Design with Emphasis on User Needs
Balance between Function and Aesthetics
Individual Project
October 2020 - November 2020 (3 Weeks)
How the Project Started
At the age of 78, my grandmother began to have blurry vision, making her unable to see objects clearly.
My grandmother has always loved making and drinking tea during her pastime, but with her emerging visual conditions, pouring hot water from a kettle became an extremely dangerous and challenging task.
Therefore, I decided to explore and find a way to provide a safer experience of pouring hot water for people who have blurry vision.
What is the Problem?
Unsafe Kettle Systems
For individuals who have blurry vision, pouring hot water from kettle is an extremely dangerous and challenging task.
Frequent spills and burnt hands may cause lack of confidence and eventually lead to depression.
Seniors are more vulnerable because they cannot have their vision corrected with glasses, lenses nor surgery.
What are the Details?
In order to gain a better understanding, an interview was conducted with my grandmother to discuss about her main frustrations and inconveniences.
Several simulations of her pouring water from a kettle also enabled me to observe and analyze for possible solutions.
Key Points from the Investigation
Existing Products
Existing products that have already made an attempt to solve the problem had designs heavily based on their functions.
I believed that there was an opportunity to make the kettles more natural and aesthetic because,
"Individuals with poor visual conditions also have the right to enjoy a visually attractive design."
Design Mission
“ To create a kettle and mug set that would provide a safer and controlled experience for individuals with poor or blurry vision, while having a good balance between function and aesthetics. ”
Design Process
Key Words - Safe, Controlled, Modern, Balanced
Final CAD Prototype
Water Pouring Simulation
Lid Off Simulation
Black Pink Edition
Silver Mint Edition
Lessons Learned & What is Next?
Balance between function and aesthetics is an important factor of consideration in design.
Personal experiences and motivations could be a great starting point when approaching a design project.
Since the project was undertaken during COVID, I was unable to produce actual prototypes, therefore would continue on to actually perform real user testing and gain feedbacks.
Design not only has strengths to improve certain experiences, but also has the power to send strong messages.