Suggestions for New Products?

[BKSara]

Hello All!

I'm looking for input on how household items could be better designed for those with arthritis.

I'm a senior studying product design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. I have chosen to focus my final project on designing a product to help people with lowered mobility and joint pain. Any suggestions would be great- from redesigning existing products that are difficult to use to developing a brand new product to updating something to a more elegant and beautiful form.

I've been attempting to fully understand the implications of arthritis, and find a hole in the market, but I realize that the best feedback comes from those of you who live with this everyday.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you!

[tanglewood]

Like Dnmh I have problems with bottles - ketchup, salad dressing, water bottles, etc. I use a nut cracker to open them some times.

[kiddthekatt]

I would love to find something to sit in the bathtub ( I have to use a shower chair ) so that I could really give my feet a workout and get the xtra dry skin to loosen up. After having a knee replacement, having both types of arthritis, also having fibromyalgia and CFS, ( sounds like a medical journal ....:)   )  I have a horrible time washing my feet like I want to. I get so tired of yelling for hubby to come do the feet thing. It could maybe have suction cups on the legs and have 2 rollers with soft bristles that ones feet can run between. I would buy one!!

gentle hugs
Angel

[Dnmh]

The biggest problem for me, and I don't have arthritis in my hands, but Small Fiber Neuropathy (nerve damage) in my hands, arms, legs, and feet which causes pain in the skin/muscles/joints. I have a hard time opening twist tops and flip tops on all bottles/jars. The just isn't enough to grip on to. There are products that are suppose to help, but they are combersome and difficult to use. The flip tops on shampoo and conditioner bottles is a battle. I'll leave it loose, but all is takes is someone else to close it all the way...
Just about anything household, that has a grip, needs improvement. Scrub brushes with extra large handles, brooms with wider handles, etc.

There could also be a nice, elegant walking stick for us ladies that need a little extra help.

Hope this helps!