DBA Inclusive Design Challenge 2006

Houdini / Matter

A lightweight, inclusive fire extinguisher for the mainstream market that will allow consumers of all ages with disabilities to retain their independence as long as possible and bring peace of mind.

Background

Safety in the home is a major issue for consumers of all ages but particularly those with sight, mobility or dexterity problems. On average over half of all fatalities in accidental household fires each year occur among the over 60s.

Statistics suggest that this will increase when over half of Europe’s adult population in 2020 will be classed as elderly and the desire to maintain independence in the own home.

How Does it Work?

The design team sought to combine elegance and simplicity with the ergonomic imperative of portability and an effortless operating stance. Houdini’s characteristic hose-like horizontal orientation is a simple but radical diversion from the existing extinguisher and allows for instinctive use and greater control. When the extinguisher is aimed at the fire source, it can be squeezed, pressed by hands or feet or under the armpit and even stepped on or hit. The canister is tapered to allow people with poor grip to clasp it easily and the large tactile activation button and ringed funnel exit provide easily identifiable cues for visually impaired users to take fast, instinctive and precise action.

A self-adhesive mask acts as a safety cover for the extinguisher and protects the face against smoke inhalation, helping to prevent respiratory fatalities, the single most common cause of death in domestic fires.

This lightweight extinguisher was conceived as a decorative but functional object - more like a vacuum flask rather than a heavy fixed extinguisher. This would allow one to be stored within easy reach in multiple locations and would overcome difficulties of installation. It can be easily activated, used and then discarded in the event of a fire.

The British Standard stipulates a predominant red exterior - the design team saw this as a conflict between effectiveness and legislation - an excuse not to purchase, a reason to hide the product and decrease emergency access.

A simple colour study helped gauge consumer reaction to the point where Houdini no longer became recognisable as a fire extinguisher.

Each can will be clearly marked with an expiry date and sold in an innovative multi-pack of four for a retail price of around £35 per pack. One would be a dummy extinguisher to be used as a training model that will help overcome the instinctive fear and panic in the event of a fire. Matter envisage future models illuminated and talking to each other, reacting to existing alarm systems with audible warnings to illuminate and act as a flashlight or escape light. Transfer-print options would allow owners to tailor Houdini to their décor and lifestyle.

User Input

The design was progressed through sketches and foam models, which allowed user input at every stage. The users consulted were consumers with severe disabilities - dexterity, mobility and sight impairments and restricted growth - as well as elderly people living independently.

Judge’s Comments

The project addresses one of the biggest challenges for inclusive design. How to combine usability, safety and desirability and simultaneously motivate the consumer to invest in a product that may only be used once but could save their life. The judges particularly liked the ideas of the dummy pack for training and the business model built around the idea. They felt that Matter have produced an easy-to-use object that is as desirable as it is useful and is based on a thorough understanding of the complexity of issues and the culture of use.