Even when you have your eyesight, cooking can be a daunting task! For those with vision impairments, it’s next to impossible. Folks, however, is a series of familiar kitchen tools adjusted to blind individuals’ sensory strengths. Each of the 5 tools leverages on natural, sensory feedback and tactile cues so users can prepare food safely with independence, confidence and dignity.
Designer: Kevin Chiam
KNIFE: features a retractable guard that serves as a physical anchor and guides the fingers during the cutting process. This encourages blade contact and makes it safer to use. It also makes it possible to clean any food that may be stuck to be easily cleared from the blade.
CHOPPING BOARD: features a side tray that rests freely on the sides of the chopping board’s valley. This acts as an extension of the hand to gather and efficiently transfer ingredients with less spillage.
STOVE RING: has a terraced profile that allows the user to effectively recognize the burner’s boundaries, eliminating unnecessary probing. It also centralizes and secures cookware in place during the cooking process to prevent topples and spills.
POT LID: provides a convenient nesting spot for kitchen tools or ingredients. An ergonomic handle and dipped shape also make it easy to transfer food.
TEASPOON: features an integrated float that rises as liquids are added into a given vessel. When the float touches the user’s fingers, which are normally situated near the rim of the vessel, it informs the water level and prevents contents from overflowing.