the problem

The majority of people with vision impairment are over the age of 50. Unfortunately, aging populations have limited resources and access to them. With the loss of vision, their independence and confidence tend to simultaneously lower.

the goal

Design a collection of tools that would empower aging adults with vision loss by simplifying their baking experience.

research

Our first task was to better understand the population we wanted to serve. Nothing was more informative than sitting down and hearing their experiences first hand.

“the biggest obstacle would be fear, especially for individuals 50+ who have recently become blind”

- Greg, Senior VP, Public Policy at The Chicago Lighthouse

“analog tools and systems can be memorized and allow them to work independently”

- Kevin, Educator of Orientation and Mobility for visually impaired

prototyping

This particular group of individuals face two challenges: aging and blindness. With potential arthritis and loss of vision, I knew wayfinding, haptic feedback, and comfort would be essential. Throughout this ideation and prototyping phase, I tested for:

• Non-visual feedback 

• Comfort and control 

• Ease to clean and store

storyboard

I created this visual to better understand the function, features, and process of using the whole baking set.

the final design

DULCET

A collection of baking tools that simplify the baking experience of aging adults who are blind. By providing an avenue to continue the activities they’ve always enjoyed, Dulcet will help these individuals regain confidence and realize that they can still be themselves, no matter what changes.