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Student Designer
University Product Description and Principal Function(s) The Rotary Kettle is designed to cater for people with impaired hand strength and control, who struggle to operate tea kettles’ currently in the market - which require the pick-up and pour method of operation. It has been designed specifically through the Universal Design guidelines to reduce the effort needed during its operation, where all that is required is a simple rotation of the kettle body to pour boiled water. It makes boiled water accessible to people who suffer conditions such as, Osteoarthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, and RSI Injuries; but also holds qualities that attracts attention from the mainstream market.Why does the product represent design excellence and why do you believe it deserves an Australian Design Award? The Rotary Kettle is a revolutionary design, of which has not been seen in the tea kettle market before. It is a unique product which includes design considerations that prevent the need for the user to strain themselves during its operation. The user only needs to grip the handle, and rotate the kettle in its base, to pour a cup of tea, whereas in all other existing tea kettle designs, much more effort is required from the user; where they have to bear the kettles' weight when pouring.With a user-centered design focus, it enables impaired people to retain their independence in performing what is an everyday task - and yet, whilst catering for those who are disabled, it also presents itself as an classy and innovative design that remains attractive for the mainstream commercial market. The Rotary Kettle embodies elegant aesthetics that play an important role in its usability. With a sexy hourglass body, the kettle is cemented into its position where the flanging out of the base maximizes control over surface areas. At the top, the kettle body can be rotated backwards and forwards without the unit being destabilized, as the center of gravity is built into the kettle's cradling recess, whilst at the bottom, the surface is gripped firmly with a weighted base plate, and rubberized stoppers. The colour scheme also plays an important role in making the method of operation intuitive and easy to understand, offering vivid and eye-catching contrasts that make important features readily identified. There are a number of features integrated in the design that aid the user during operation, including: A contoured, textured handle grip that gives the user added control when distributing boiled water, a safety pour mechanism that only allows water out when the user activates the button release in the handle, an elongated spout with a lip groove for increased precision, and a spring system that brings the kettle unit upright to its resting position once the user has disengaged. Another feature is incorporated into the design that aids with the re-filling of the kettle. With an added hose attachment, the user can fill the kettle up from the kitchen tap by simply screwing the universal tap nozzle into the tap head, and then screwing the other end into the spout thread - this option offers the user an alternative from having to bear the accumulating weight of the kettle during the filling procedure. The materials embodied in the kettle are also made to cater for the user. The 1.2 Litre kettle body comprises of stainless steel; holding temperature resistant properties that prevent material degredation. And the major parts of contact; the base and handle, comprise of heat-resistant, flame-retardant polymers, to shield the user from the transfered heat during the boiling process. Not only do these materials promote user safety, they also give the kettle longevity to operate for a prolonged service life. The Rotary Kettle is a contemporary product that combines form and function to efficiently cater for diverse users. |
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