Easy does it as hanger wins gadgets award

LIFE-ALTERING gadgets based on clothes hangers, screwdrivers and a lid opener may sound like a plot twist from classic 80s show MacGyver, but they can have just as vital an impact on someone outside the fictional TV world.

As part of its second annual Easy To Use awards, Arthritis Ireland has applauded tools based on all three items developed with the sole purpose of improving Ireland’s estimated 40,000 rheumatoid arthritis sufferers’ living standards.

Now in their second year, the awards have been organised to encourage student designers to develop everyday products of benefit to people living with disabilities and potentially have their products made.

Sponsored by the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, this year’s contest has resulted in a series of unexpected items being put forward which will significantly improve users living standards.

The overall winning product at this year’s awards ceremony was “the Gazelle” clothes hanger, developed by third year NCAD Industrial Design students Kevin Doherty and Ronan Murphy.

Made with the realities of arthritis in mind, the clothes hanger has an asymmetric design and handle which allows the user to maintain a static hand position — significantly reducing the difficulty sufferers can have in hanging clothes.

Among the other successful contestants were students James Brady and Rory West, who created “the Torque” screwdriver which has a head that can be switched between two different positions.

An in-built tag on food packages to cut out the need for scissors when opening packets and a heated interactive exercise mat for children with juvenile arthritis which distracts the child from at times painful movements by including games were also put forward.

The six other commended products was and an attractive bra for adult female arthritis sufferers to replace current medical versions and improve self-esteem.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dragons Den entrepreneur and member of the judging panel, Sean Gallagher, said the event “gives students the opportunity to really question the way products are designed and how they will be used”.

“Even a slight change in perception can make a real difference for those living with disabilities,” he said.

Arthritis Ireland chief executive John Church added that despite what the average person may think, minor changes to items used by arthritis sufferers can have a huge impact on their daily quality of life.

“They have often to rely on special tools which are instantly stigmatising,” he said.

* Further details at www.arthritisireland.ie and www.pfizer.ie.