Our Motivation
Until now the humble mechanical lock and key has reigned supreme in our domestic environment. However, as technology developed, consumers were given unprecedented capacity and desire to conserve energy, reduce domestic drudgery and optimise their living environment. As such, smart devices are now one of the fastest growing sector in the market.
At the same time, the group observed that dexterity impairment is a serious issue, being ranked as the third-most prevalent disability worldwide. Specifically, in the UK, about 3.4 million people, or 28% of all disabled people suffer from a sort of dexterity problem (Department of Work and Pension). Although the public have kept calling on concentration on dexterity, there are few products that are designed to assist them.
Apart from those suffering from dexterity problems, there are many other scenarios where people may have difficulties with opening a door. For example, someone might want to open the door while carrying a few shopping bags without much struggles.
Therefore, the group believes that people are in need for a more convenient and intuitive lock.
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory
Being inspired by these social problems, this project is set to develop a next generation locking mechanism, which not only provides care to people with dexterity issues, but also serves widely to ordinary people in their daily lives.
As the project progressed, the team realised that the designed mechanism is not just useful as a lock. The innovation in its intuitive control and pattern recording capability allows it to serve as other products.
Directly from the box, it can be installed…
- On the house door for the disabled
- On a convenient and temporary locker for those in the gym or swimming pool
- As a whack-a-mole gaming machine for children
- As a base for a dance-dance-revolution input controller
- As a drum kit