Human factors and safety for seniors who cook

Maintaining independence as people age is an important factor which contributes to prolonging physical and emotional health. Preparing meals is one of these daily activities that becomes increasingly difficult and can contribute to loss of independence. For this project, research was done on the physical effects of aging, anthropometrics of seniors, and the difficulties that seniors face in the cooking process. Research was performed through interviews, observation, and academic sources. The scope of this project did not include the effects of cognitive decline. Some of the biggest obstacles seniors face in the kitchen are due to diminished strength, dexterity, and energy. These effects of aging can be overwhelming since cooking often requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and bending for items that are too high or low. A kitchen layout design is proposed which minimizes exertion required for cooking. The design allows the user to cook seated or standing and brings the most common tasks and tools to the height of the worksurface and within arm’s reach. The features and dimensions of this design are based on insights gained after empathic modeling, interviews and observations, analyzing kitchen workflows, studying ergonomic guidelines. Models were built to then test the ergonomics and usability of the design concepts with seniors.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.F.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art and Design

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2018

Author dc:creator

• Bowman, Matthew

Contributors dc:contributor

• Weightman, David
• Sethi, Suresh

• Senior living
• aging in place
• kitchen
• industrial design
• cooking
• human factors
• ergonomics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2018 Matthew Bowman

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/101622

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/101622