helen hamlyn research centre - DesignAge competition winners 1998

First Prize
Charles Cooke
“Printed Sound”

Aims
The aim to create a product capable of translating printed symbols into sound has been achieved by a small hand-held reader device, which is scanned across digitised sound tracks, represented by sophisticated bar code symbols on a page, picking up the symbols and translating them into audible words which are played back through a small speaker. The bar codes can be printed or attached to the pages of books, magazines, newspapers, and bills for people who either cannot read or prefer to listen to spoken text, music or sound effects.

Key Features
• The battery operated reader is light and easy to use
• Easily transportable
• Design of the ‘reader’ could be customised to suit

Target Consumers
This product is aimed at a large and varied marketplace of consumers of all ages, but in particular, it would enhance the lives of people who have a visual impairment, and are currently unable to enjoy books, magazines, or newspapers. The bar-coded information could be embossed, or attached to the pages of publications, or specially requested for particular articles and publications.


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a	The aim has been to create a product capable of translating printed symbols into sound	a	First Prize Charles Cooke “Printed Sound” Aims The aim to create a product capable of translating printed symbols into sound has been achieved by a small hand-held reader device, which is scanned across digitised sound tracks, represented by sophisticated bar code symbols on a page, picking up the symbols and translating them into audible words which are played back through a small speaker. The bar codes can be printed or attached to the pages of books, magazines, newspapers, and bills for people who either cannot read or prefer to listen to spoken text, music or sound effects. Key Features • The battery operated reader is light and easy to use • Easily transportable • Design of the ‘reader’ could be customised to suit Target Consumers This product is aimed at a large and varied marketplace of consumers of all ages, but in particular, it would enhance the lives of people who have a visual impairment, and are currently unable to enjoy books, magazines, or newspapers. The bar-coded information could be embossed, or attached to the pages of publications, or specially requested for particular articles and publications.	a
a	A low cost injection moulded tool aimed at removing the static loading of shopping bags from the hand, allowing the blood in the hand to flow unimpeded	a	Joint 2nd Prize Stephen Brittain “Easygrip - a Carrying Aid for Shoppers” Description and Aims A low cost injection moulded tool aimed at removing the static loading of shopping bags from the hand, allowing the blood in the hand to flow unimpeded. Research was carried out with visiting practitioners and at Devonshire Hospital’s hand clinic, to establish a design that transfers load to the wrist, avoiding the key veins in the hand. The shopping bags are held by an adjustable hook which is positioned to fit within the palm of the hand. Filed for patent. Key Features • Prevents pain in hands caused by pressure on, and restriction of, the blood supply to the fingers • The flexible spring hook absorbs the shock from walking, preventing shoulder pain • Fully adjustable for 5th - 95th percentile • Can be used with more than one shopping bag • ‘Makes shopping feel half the weight’, comment from member of the University of the Third Age • The hook keeps shopping bags together, even when seated e.g. when travelling by car or on bus Target Consumers Anyone who regularly carries heavy bags of shopping, but particularly older people who may have limited grip and finger dexterity. Following interviews with the marketing department of a leading supermarket and a panel from the University of the Third Age, it was established that the product would work well as a free gift through a supermarket loyalty scheme, and could be bar-coded to allow free travel to and from the store by bus.	a	a
a	The stool, originally designed for visitors to the Tate Gallery, would work particularly well in small homes	a	Joint 2nd Prize Olof Kolte “The Tate Stool” Description and Aims This stool was originally designed for visitors to the Tate Gallery, suitable for use during daily gallery talks, and on loan to older people, art students and people with specific needs as portable seating. The stools stack easily and can be stored on wall brackets. The stool can easily be translated into a flexible piece of furniture for the home, by using alternative materials and different colours for the seat. The plastic seat finish would be suitable for the bathroom, and the natural wood finish would work well in both the bedroom and living room. Key Features • Light and easy to carry and handle, and stackable • Comfortable to sit on for extended periods • Pleasing aesthetic qualities when viewed alone, stacked or in groups. • Durable, low maintenance • Stool handle helps to steady users when raising or lowering from the seat Target Consumers The stool was originally designed for a whole range of users and would appeal to all age groups. It would work particularly well in small homes where space is limited and its ability to stack would prove very useful. Older people would find the stool particularly convenient as it is light to carry and can be used in a bathroom or next to a bed where it could double as a bedside table. > 1999 competition	a	Color
Color	Color	sa	Designer must be credited. Photos © Ivan Coleman	sa
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