One-armed individuals often face numerous challenges in their daily lives, and even simple tasks like opening a bottle of laundry detergent can be incredibly difficult. Traditional detergent bottles are designed with the average person in mind, making them inaccessible for those with limited mobility. Recognizing this issue, designer Kuang Wei has created Convenience, a groundbreaking solution specifically tailored to meet the needs of one-armed individuals.
Convenience stands out from other laundry detergent bottles due to its innovative design. Unlike traditional bottles that require two hands to open, Convenience features a lid with a storage function. By incorporating a modified pressure suction mechanism, the detergent can be temporarily stored in the bottle's lid when it is pressed. This allows users to easily dispense the detergent with just one hand, revolutionizing the way one-armed individuals interact with laundry products.
The production of Convenience involves the use of polyethylene or polypropylene, along with various organic solvents. These materials are carefully molded through a blow molding process, ensuring the bottle's durability and functionality. With dimensions of 100mm in width, 160mm in depth, and 290mm in height, Convenience is designed to be compact and easy to handle.
Through extensive research and analysis, Kuang Wei and the design team identified the lack of accessibility in various everyday items for one-armed individuals. This realization led to the development of Convenience, aimed at providing a practical solution for an often-overlooked demographic. The biggest challenge faced during the design process was creating a simple structural design that would allow one-armed individuals to easily use the laundry detergent.
Using Convenience is a straightforward process. With just one hand, users can press the lid to dispense the desired amount of laundry liquid into the lid's storage compartment. They can then pick up the lid and pour the detergent directly onto the dirty clothes. Finally, the lid can be securely placed back in its original position. The elegant shape of Convenience ensures that one-armed individuals can use it comfortably and with ease.
The Convenience project commenced in February 2017 in Wuhan and was completed in July 2017. The design has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Convenience's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world by enhancing accessibility and convenience for one-armed individuals.
Convenience, with its unique design and focus on inclusivity, exemplifies the power of innovation in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. By reimagining everyday objects, designers like Kuang Wei are making significant strides towards a more accessible and inclusive future.
Project Designers: Kuang Wei
Image Credits: All Images : Creator Kuang Wei, Design, 2017.
Project Team Members: Kuang Wei,Ruipeng Wang,Qiaoshi Meng,Jing Lv,Tingting Mao
Project Name: Convenience
Project Client: Kuang Wei