Innovative design tackles everyday challenges

When you’re dealing with the big problems of living with arthritis, like pain, stiffness and inflamed joints, the last thing you need is lots more smaller problems that can make life even more difficult. Those everyday struggles to open a jar, lock a front door, get out of the bath or lift a kettle can sometimes feel like the last straw. So, for the second year running, we’ve teamed up with the Design Council to find and fund the best and brightest design ideas hoping to make everyday life better for people with arthritis.Once again Arthritis Research UK supported a category at the annual Spark Awards inviting product designers to put forward ingenious practical solutions to the challenges faced by people living with arthritis.The 2017 Spark Award judges chose the Workey as this year’s winning design; a key turner tool created to help people with arthritis in their hands who struggle to grip and turn keys. It stood out because of its attractive and accessible design, created to be lightweight, easy to use and fit comfortably on a key chain in your pocket. Workey designer Geoff Rolandsen is hoping the funding and the recognition that the award win has brought will help him market and promote his product to a wider audience, so it can make a difference to people’s lives as soon as possible.Helen Hurman, Head of Research Operations for Arthritis Research UK, sat on the judging panel. She says: "As well as being impressed by the Workey’s practical an...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news