The Leaven Range by London-based designer Simon Kinneir is a set of everyday kitchen products, tuned to give extra sensory feedback beyond a reliance on sight. The design incorporates subtle changes to these products as we know them, improving the practicality and enjoyability of a task and reintroducing self-confidence in the kitchen for people with sight-loss. Whether through temperature, sound, or movement, these products amplify active processes in the task at hand.
The Leaven Range items include:
The Chopping Board and Chopping Knife – Chopping food securely and safely through touch, grip and contrast.
The Jug – Filling and pouring a jug to the right level through balance and touch.
The Cutlery – Tactile reassurance of the right piece of cutlery the right way up.
The Plate – A raised rear lip and extended front lip assist eating without spilling food.
The Glass – Double tonal contrast helps a glass stand out on a light or a dark table.
The Mug – Filling and pouring a jug to the right level through balance and touch informs the user—through temperature and touch—of the right level when filling up a cup.
The Hob Guard- Resistance against the pan reassures the user the pan is safely on the hob.
Kinneir’s work explores experience in spatial, communication and product design with a research specialism in design for sight loss and independent living.
This project is featured in the forthcoming book Food Futures: Sensory Explorations in Food Design co-edited by Gemma Warriner and Kate Sweetapple out on Promopress May 2017. Follow @gemmawarriner for updates or pre-order your copy today.
