Making a fix for manual dexterity difficulties. Taking the pain out of opening & squeezing paint tubes.
Final product
In use
Brief
Fixperts was a paired, user centered project in which we were tasked with engaging with a person (a 'fixpartner') and attempt to come up with a solution to help them with an everyday problem they encounter. We were also given the added challenge of using easily accessible materials and making four replicas to prove our fix could be easily made by others who needed it. Therefore while we were working to help an individual we also had to ensure our solution could be open sourced and a helpful fix for all.
In 4 weeks we developed a fix for our wonderful fixpartner, artist & art teacher Sarah who helps around 160 students, 5 days a week alongside creating her own artworks. She suffers from small joint hypermobility syndrome (SJHS) which causes her to have weak, loose ligaments which can lead to joint instability, increasing the risk of strain, injury, tears & pain.
Research & Findings
We used bodystorming, interviewing, task analysis, sketching, sketch modelling, user testing and material exploration in order to find the perfect solution. In doing so we analysed many everyday activities and pain points of these activities and pain points of these activities, we then focused on how Sarah struggles to squeeze paint out of stiff tubes therefore we decided to focus closer on eliminating the stress & pain caused by this specific everyday activity.
Outcome
After making 13 physical prototypes using 17 various materials, we accomplished our desired fix through designing a small rectangular device made of acacia wood with one slit in the middle that the top of paint tube could be slotted into and twisted easily to remove the lid while also allowing room for the body of the tube to be pushed through and squeeze the paint out with less strain on the hands it also has a small hole, with a metal chain commonly used for sink plugs, so it can be attached to Sarah's lanyard for ease of access & so not to be easily lost. As you can see below we made a bee shaped fix for Sarah promoting visual aesthetics while retaining function.
Booklet
Here is the booklet I produced telling more about the design story and giving you a 'how to' guide to recreate it! (click to enlarge)
Development Video