This project focuses on designing an inclusive measuring cup eliminating the need for a scale and communicating the final measurement through its shape – a barrier-free, minimalist solution for both visually impaired and sighted individuals.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
Traditional measuring cups are often unsuitable for visually impaired individuals, as visual scales can be difficult or impossible to read. This project addresses this issue with an inclusive set of measuring cups (125ml, 250ml, 500ml) that communicate the fill level through their shape instead of a scale. This allows for intuitive, barrier-free use.
The project enhances social participation and user experience by making an essential kitchen tool accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Its minimalist and durable design promotes resource efficiency and circularity by reducing material consumption and extending the product’s lifespan. Additionally, the project emphasizes community-oriented solutions, as inclusive design benefits all. By combining aesthetics and functionality, it creates a product that is not only practical but also destigmatizing and universally usable.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
TRIO is an inclusively designed set of three measuring cups for visually impaired individuals, ensuring intuitive, barrier-free use. Instead of a scale, the cups feature a specially shaped inner edge with a tactile and visual shadow gap to indicate the fill level. The design was optimized through iterative testing of different shapes to maximize detectability.
Made from durable, recyclable PET plastic, the cups are dishwasher-safe and resistant to shocks and scratches. Their matte, velvety surface provides a pleasant tactile experience. With an ergonomic 8 cm diameter, the cups are easy to handle and stack neatly for space-saving storage. The set includes three sizes (125ml, 250ml, 500ml). The prototype was 3D printed, and future production will use injection molding. Case studies with visually impaired individuals directly informed the design. The minimalist design ensures TRIO is not perceived as an assistive tool, reducing stigma while promoting self-determined use for everyone.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
This project is innovative because it reimagines the basic design of measuring cups, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. While existing solutions often rely on hard-to-read, small markings or are designed solely for fully blind individuals, this measuring cup integrates a tactile system specifically optimized for visually impaired users. The structured shape allows users to determine the fill level by touch, with clear inner and outer edges that make orientation easier. This eliminates the need for poorly visible markings or makeshift solutions like personal marks with pens or notches. Additionally, the design avoids the stigmatization of many assistive tools, as its minimalist style blends discreetly into any kitchen. By combining intuitive use with aesthetic design, our measuring cup minimizes frustration and promotes the autonomy of visually impaired individuals in daily life.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
Yes, it addresses and reflects the needs of young people. Accessibility ensures that they can independently use their environment and participate in daily life without restrictions. Many young people have vision problems – ranging from mild impairment to blindness – which is why inclusive products are essential. Especially in the kitchen, a central part of daily life, tasks like measuring liquids should not present a challenge. This measuring cup enables precise, barrier-free use through tactile markings and an intuitive design. As a result, the cooking process is significantly eased without the need for visual aids. Additionally, the minimalist design blends discreetly into any kitchen, without indicating that the user has a vision impairment. In this way, it promotes independence and equal opportunities by making everyday tasks easier and more inclusive for young people with visual impairments.
