Designing products for people in later life – meet the Spark ventures

Since 2014, Spark has helped more than 140 entrepreneurs across the country get their ideas off the ground, focussing on developing products which tackle societal challenges such as ageing. Here are some of the ventures that have designed products that address issues associated with people in later life or have limited dexterity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Stablspoon  – An affordable self-stabilising spoon for people with hand tremors. Designed to cancel out the user’s tremors, making eating less frustrating, easier and more enjoyable. 

 

 

 

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Washseat – A modified raised seat so someone can sit comfortably whilst using the toilet and then afterwards have a warm water bidet wash. Designed to aid people with disabilities and the elderly, who sometimes struggle and rely on carers’ help, enabling more independence and less embarrassment. 

 

 

 

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Helping Hand – A food preparation glove using smart materials to protect against cuts and burns. Designed for her grandmother who had nerve-damage and could no longer hold knives or pans easily. This design is perfect for children, people with learning difficulties and the elderly. 

 

 

 

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TruRegard – An assistive door handle which supports the natural grip and twist motion with ease. It has been designed ergonomically to aid those with arthritis or other joint issues.

 

 

 

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Elba London  – A stylish, well-fitting bra that is comfortable and easy to put on and take off. Specifically designed for those with dexterity or mobility problems.

 

 

 

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Keywing  – A key turning tool that eases the grasping and turning action which is required to operate keys. Keywing slides on and off keys to replicate a turn snib on the end of a key which is easier to hold and twist. It is primarily designed for people with reduced hand dexterity who may struggle with small or stiff hands.

 

 

 

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TickleFlex  – An accessory for insulin pens. It improves the lives of insulin dependent diabetics by providing comfort, safety and convenience by having specially textured pads that pull inwards like a finger pinch as the pen is pressed against the skin. This distracts the local pain sensors making the injection more comfortable. It also creates a pucker making it more likely that the needle enters the desirable zone of subcutaneous tissue. The large pad area keeps the needle stable and prevents it going in too deep.