OSCAR NORMAN

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Hero Image: Scrub beside a mug before a light blue background gradient

scrub

First year University group project designing and producing a low-intervention assistive device to help a client with a broken arm regain some independance through washing dishes. This user-centred design project undertaken as part of the Fixperts community provided great experience in client observation and interviews.   

Ideation sketches
Concept

Product development took us through initial variations of a device to hold the dirty dishes and crockery still to allow the user to scrub against it with a sponge. I realised it would be more effective to turn the system on its head and have the user move the dishes against a stationary sponge, which would allow use for any sized objects. The design was developed to effectively hold the sponge still and secure.

Modelling

The series of test rig prototypes we developed for our client to test, developing the design based on functional observation. Each iteration was developed to improve ergonomic function and facilitate stable attachment to the sink. Formed sheet aluminium was chosen for its manufacturability and corrosion resistance.

Development models in a row in a lightbox
Scrub on the side of a sink
Outcome

Scrub attaches to the sink with suction cups, functional on the side or base of the sink depending on client preference. The design features a flat spoke to hold the sponge, keeping it secure and preventing unwanted rotation, but making it easily changeable for good hygiene.
The client was happy with Scrub as it made him fully able to wash up independantly. This success showed the product’s scope to benefit other people with similar mobility issues.

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