A step towards inclusivity using product design as a tool for awareness and accessibility
A step towards inclusivity using product design as a tool for awareness and accessibility
A step towards inclusivity using product design as a tool for awareness and accessibility
Overview
Overview
Overview
The research began with two people having the same passion to understand the influence of culture and society on left-handedness in India. There are many unfavorable stereotypes surrounding left-handedness, especially in India, regardless of where or what religion you were born in. Although these stereotypes have decreased in several parts of India over the years, there is no viable solution to the problem.
We are always taught to build a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Yet, the challenge often lies not in stating the goal but in executing it- in an inclusive and effective way. Uni-kit products are designed precisely for this purpose.
The research began with two people having the same passion to understand the influence of culture and society on left-handedness in India. There are many unfavorable stereotypes surrounding left-handedness, especially in India, regardless of where or what religion you were born in. Although these stereotypes have decreased in several parts of India over the years, there is no viable solution to the problem.
We are always taught to build a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Yet, the challenge often lies not in stating the goal but in executing it- in an inclusive and effective way. Uni-kit products are designed precisely for this purpose.
The research began with two people having the same passion to understand the influence of culture and society on left-handedness in India. There are many unfavorable stereotypes surrounding left-handedness, especially in India, regardless of where or what religion you were born in. Although these stereotypes have decreased in several parts of India over the years, there is no viable solution to the problem.
We are always taught to build a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Yet, the challenge often lies not in stating the goal but in executing it- in an inclusive and effective way. Uni-kit products are designed precisely for this purpose.
My Role
Research strategy
Design probes
User interviews
Affinity mapping
Product ideation
Product design and fabrication
My Role
Research strategy
Design probes
User interviews
Affinity mapping
Product ideation
Product design and fabrication
My Role
Research strategy
Design probes
User interviews
Affinity mapping
Product ideation
Product design and fabrication
Constraints
Timeline of 7 weeks
Limited monetary resources
Outcome of the project should be a product which strives for inclusivity
Lack of resources to carry complex probe sessions
Constraints
Timeline of 7 weeks
Limited monetary resources
Outcome of the project should be a product which strives for inclusivity
Lack of resources to carry complex probe sessions
Constraints
Timeline of 7 weeks
Limited monetary resources
Outcome of the project should be a product which strives for inclusivity
Lack of resources to carry complex probe sessions
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Business problem statement:
"How might we design products for left-handed users while also dispelling societal preconceptions through awareness-raising?"
Research problem statement:
"People who are left-handed deal with a variety of issues on a daily basis. They struggle with even the most basic tasks, such as opening doors, writing, playing musical instruments, cutting, etc. They often have trouble finding left-handed products easily accessible in stores. Due to a lack of awareness, they feel vulnerable in front of others and fear of being judged."
Business problem statement:
"How might we design products for left-handed users while also dispelling societal preconceptions through awareness-raising?"
Research problem statement:
"People who are left-handed deal with a variety of issues on a daily basis. They struggle with even the most basic tasks, such as opening doors, writing, playing musical instruments, cutting, etc. They often have trouble finding left-handed products easily accessible in stores. Due to a lack of awareness, they feel vulnerable in front of others and fear of being judged."
Business problem statement:
"How might we design products for left-handed users while also dispelling societal preconceptions through awareness-raising?"
Research problem statement:
"People who are left-handed deal with a variety of issues on a daily basis. They struggle with even the most basic tasks, such as opening doors, writing, playing musical instruments, cutting, etc. They often have trouble finding left-handed products easily accessible in stores. Due to a lack of awareness, they feel vulnerable in front of others and fear of being judged."
What I understand:
Understand culture and society
Issues present in society in this particular context
Factors influencing culture and society
Understand a particular area where we can focus
Understand the users and audience
Their behaviors
Their problems
Factors that influence their decisions
End goal
Narrow down focus of the project to Indian context
Design products for inclusivity
Create awareness on this issue and promote universal product design
Decrease accidents caused due to lack of universal tools or equipments
What I understand:
Understand culture and society
Issues present in society in this particular context
Factors influencing culture and society
Understand a particular area where we can focus
Understand the users and audience
Their behaviors
Their problems
Factors that influence their decisions
End goal
Narrow down focus of the project to Indian context
Design products for inclusivity
Create awareness on this issue and promote universal product design
Decrease accidents caused due to lack of universal tools or equipments
What I understand:
Understand culture and society
Issues present in society in this particular context
Factors influencing culture and society
Understand a particular area where we can focus
Understand the users and audience
Their behaviors
Their problems
Factors that influence their decisions
End goal
Narrow down focus of the project to Indian context
Design products for inclusivity
Create awareness on this issue and promote universal product design
Decrease accidents caused due to lack of universal tools or equipments
Process
Process
Process
Research
Research
Research
Secondary Research
Literature review was conducted as a part of the secondary research to help us lead to our key line of inquiry. A mind map was used to map the literature review.
Secondary Research
Literature review was conducted as a part of the secondary research to help us lead to our key line of inquiry. A mind map was used to map the literature review.
Secondary Research
Literature review was conducted as a part of the secondary research to help us lead to our key line of inquiry. A mind map was used to map the literature review.
Line of Inquiry
"Understanding the influence of culture & society on left-handedness in India."
Line of Inquiry
"Understanding the influence of culture & society on left-handedness in India."
Narrowing down the research
"Understanding why, despite 40% of people being left-handed at birth, only 11% persist over time."
Narrowing down the research
"Understanding why, despite 40% of people being left-handed at birth, only 11% persist over time."
Narrowing down the research
"Understanding why, despite 40% of people being left-handed at birth, only 11% persist over time."
Line of Inquiry
"Understanding the influence of culture & society on left-handedness in India."
Line of Inquiry
"Understanding the influence of culture & society on left-handedness in India."
Primary Research
Developing a design probe
A design probe was developed as part of the primary research plan to understand how people think and act unconsciously in context of left-handedness. The probes were designed to determine three things
determining a person's handedness
proficiency in using tools not suited for one's particular hand
influence of culture and society on a person using their hands for daily tasks
Primary Research
Developing a design probe
A design probe was developed as part of the primary research plan to understand how people think and act unconsciously in context of left-handedness. The probes were designed to determine three things
determining a person's handedness
proficiency in using tools not suited for one's particular hand
influence of culture and society on a person using their hands for daily tasks
Primary Research
Developing a design probe
A design probe was developed as part of the primary research plan to understand how people think and act unconsciously in context of left-handedness. The probes were designed to determine three things
determining a person's handedness
proficiency in using tools not suited for one's particular hand
influence of culture and society on a person using their hands for daily tasks
PICK & PAINT
Picking the sketch pen
and painting the flower would assist us in determining the person's handedness.
PICK & PAINT
Picking the sketch pen and painting the flower would assist us in determining the person's handedness.
PICK & PAINT
Picking the sketch pen
and painting the flower would assist us in determining the person's handedness.
CHOOSE & CUT
Pick any one scissor to cut the flower. The scissors being left and right-handed was unknown to the participants which allowed us observe their proficiency and how they operated each scissor differently.
CHOOSE & CUT
Pick any one scissor to cut the flower. The scissors being left and right-handed was unknown to the participants which allowed us observe their proficiency and how they operated each scissor differently.
PICK A TREAT
Pick a treat as a reward for completing the task allowed us to observe which hand they would use,
thus helping us understand the influence of culture in their choices.
PICK A TREAT
Pick a treat as a reward for completing the task allowed us to observe which hand they would use,
thus helping us understand the influence of culture in their choices.
CHOOSE & CUT
Pick any one scissor to cut
the flower. The scissors
being left and right-handed
was unknown to the
participants which allowed
us observe their proficiency
and how they operated
each scissor differently.
CHOOSE & CUT
Pick any one scissor to cut the flower. The scissors being left and right-handed was unknown to the
participants which allowed
us observe their proficiency
and how they operated
each scissor differently.
PICK A TREAT
Pick a food treat as
a reward for completing the
task allowed us to observe
which hand they would use,
thus helping us understand
the influence of culture in
their choices.
PICK A TREAT
Pick a food treat as
a reward for completing the task allowed us to observe which hand they would use, thus helping us understand the influence of culture in their choices.
Contextual Inquiry & Interview
Thereafter, contextual inquiry was conducted with 14 respondents, where they were participating in the probe activity mentioned above. The contextual inquiry helps in understanding the things which they did during the above activities. This was followed by an interview with each participant led by the discussion guide which we developed to helps us to delve deep into the mind of participants and understand their psyche and logic to their actions.
An affinity map was the method used to analyse the interviews. The information was sorted and categorised from which themes emerged.
Contextual Inquiry & Interview
Thereafter, contextual inquiry was conducted with 14 respondents, where they were participating in the probe activity mentioned above. The contextual inquiry helps in understanding the things which they did during the above activities. This was followed by an interview with each participant led by the discussion guide which we developed to helps us to delve deep into the mind of participants and understand their psyche and logic to their actions.
An affinity map was the method used to analyse the interviews. The information was sorted and categorised from which themes emerged.
Contextual Inquiry & Interview
Thereafter, contextual inquiry was conducted with 14 respondents, where they were participating in the probe activity mentioned above. The contextual inquiry helps in understanding the things which they did during the above activities. This was followed by an interview with each participant led by the discussion guide which we developed to helps us to delve deep into the mind of participants and understand their psyche and logic to their actions.
An affinity map was the method used to analyse the interviews. The information was sorted and categorised from which themes emerged.
Key Insights
All the users interviewed expressed that there was lack of awareness about left-handedness which forces them to adapt so as to fit into the society.
Most of the users experience discomfort while using left-handed products. There is lack of awareness about the existing left-handed products and even left-handed people are not used to handling them.
Key Insights
All the users interviewed expressed that there was lack of awareness about left-handedness which forces them to adapt so as to fit into the society.
Most of the users experience discomfort while using left-handed products. There is lack of awareness about the existing left-handed products and even left-handed people are not used to handling them.
Key Insights
All the users interviewed expressed that there was lack of awareness about left-handedness which forces them to adapt so as to fit into the society.
Most of the users experience discomfort while using left-handed products. There is lack of awareness about the existing left-handed products and even left-handed people are not used to handling them.
User Personas
User Personas
User Personas
User Personas represent each different user set and help data to be organized into a format that is easily interpreted.
User Personas represent each different user set and help data to be organized into a format that is easily interpreted.
User Personas represent each different user set and help data to be organized into a format that is easily interpreted.
Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
We used strategies like 100 ideas and crazy 8 to ideate different product designs and types.
We used strategies like 100 ideas and crazy 8 to ideate different product designs and types.
We used strategies like 100 ideas and crazy 8 to ideate different product designs and types.
Development
Development
Development
Instead of developing specific products for left-handed people, we came up with the concept to develop products that are universal. “Where are universal products most needed”, we asked ourselves. We believed that it was most necessary in the kitchen. Consequently, our proposal involved redesigning three kitchen equipment and creating models that were universal.
Microwave
Can-Opener
Microwave
Instead of developing specific products for left-handed people, we came up with the concept to develop products that are universal. “Where are universal products most needed”, we asked ourselves. We believed that it was most necessary in the kitchen. Consequently, our proposal involved redesigning three kitchen equipment and creating models that were universal.
Microwave
Can-Opener
Microwave
Instead of developing specific products for left-handed people, we came up with the concept to develop products that are universal. “Where are universal products most needed”, we asked ourselves. We believed that it was most necessary in the kitchen. Consequently, our proposal involved redesigning three kitchen equipment and creating models that were universal.
Microwave
Can-Opener
Microwave
Low Fidelity Prototypes
There were numerous paper and clay variations of the can-opener's design. The clay prototype was created to determine the product's size and test its grip. Due to a lack of time, the other two products consisted of small rapid sketch designs.
Low Fidelity Prototypes
There were numerous paper and clay variations of the can-opener's design. The clay prototype was created to determine the product's size and test its grip. Due to a lack of time, the other two products consisted of small rapid sketch designs.
Low Fidelity Prototypes
There were numerous paper and clay variations of the can-opener's design. The clay prototype was created to determine the product's size and test its grip. Due to a lack of time, the other two products consisted of small rapid sketch designs.
Can-opener Iterations
As we had two weeks, to develop the products, we gave the can-opener design more thought and attention. Following the sketches, we created clay prototypes to determine which grip would work best and what shape would provide a better grip. To arrive to the next stage, several iterations were done.
Can-opener Iterations
As we had two weeks, to develop the products, we gave the can-opener design more thought and attention. Following the sketches, we created clay prototypes to determine which grip would work best and what shape would provide a better grip. To arrive to the next stage, several iterations were done.
Can-opener Iterations
As we had two weeks, to develop the products, we gave the can-opener design more thought and attention. Following the sketches, we created clay prototypes to determine which grip would work best and what shape would provide a better grip. To arrive to the next stage, several iterations were done.
High Fidelity Prototypes
A 3D model of the other designs was developed for all the products so that people could see how they might work.
High Fidelity Prototypes
A 3D model of the other designs was developed for all the products so that people could see how they might work.
High Fidelity Prototypes
A 3D model of the other designs was developed for all the products so that people could see how they might work.
Measuring Cup
A measuring cup that has readings on both sides. so that it can be of assistance to anyone. Other measurement units make up the lower unit.
Measuring Cup
A measuring cup that has readings on both sides. so that it can be of assistance to anyone. Other measurement units make up the lower unit.
Measuring Cup
A measuring cup that has readings on both sides. so that it can be of assistance to anyone. Other measurement units make up the lower unit.
Can-Opener
The can opener has a blade made of mild steel and a wooden handle. The curved blade allows least amount of contact while cutting the sheet metal ensuring least amout of effort applied and can be used by both left and right handed people.
Can-Opener
The can opener has a blade made of mild steel and a wooden handle. The curved blade allows least amount of contact while cutting the sheet metal ensuring least amout of effort applied and can be used by both left and right handed people.
Can-Opener
The can opener has a blade made of mild steel and a wooden handle. The curved blade allows least amount of contact while cutting the sheet metal ensuring least amout of effort applied and can be used by both left and right handed people.
Microwave
A microwave that can be easily operated with any hand due to its top-mounted buttons and door that opens like an oven.
Microwave
A microwave that can be easily operated with any hand due to its top-mounted buttons and door that opens like an oven.
Microwave
A microwave that can be easily operated with any hand due to its top-mounted buttons and door that opens like an oven.