Overview
This hand trowel is designed to meet the needs of users with rheumatoid arthritis, prioritizing ease of use, ergonomic handling, and aesthetic appeal to provide an inclusive and comfortable gardening experience.
This hand trowel is designed to meet the needs of users with rheumatoid arthritis, prioritizing ease of use, ergonomic handling, and aesthetic appeal to provide an inclusive and comfortable gardening experience.
Skills
Rapid Prototyping & Ideation
Human-centered Design
Design Research
SolidWorks
KeyShot
Timeline
4 weeks
Fall 2024
Over 58.5 million adults in the U.S.
have been diagnosed with
arthritis.
have been diagnosed with
arthritis.
Arthritis is the leading cause of
disability in the U.S.
disability in the U.S.
Pain Points
Joint pain or stiffness
Fatigue and low energy
Loss of joint function or range of motion
Fatigue and low energy
Loss of joint function or range of motion
Empathize
Taped joints
User testing with restricted joints
An empathy exercise to mimic the physical challenges
of rheumatoid arthritis involves wrapping tape
around your finger joints, particularly where rings are
worn, to simulate swelling, stiffness, and restricted
movement.
of rheumatoid arthritis involves wrapping tape
around your finger joints, particularly where rings are
worn, to simulate swelling, stiffness, and restricted
movement.
Helping understand how
gripping objects can feel for
someone with the condition.
gripping objects can feel for
someone with the condition.
24 Low Fidelity Models & Sketches
5 Medium Fidelity Models & Sketches
User Testing
Met with individuals with arthritis to test my design and receive feedback.
All participants expressed that the handle felt comfortable to grip with neutrality in the wrist.
CAD Models - SolidWorks & Keyshot
Orthographic Drawings & Exploded View
