GLIDE
(Gently Lowering Inner Drawer Enclosure)
A pulldown inner cabinet that allows easy access to upper cabinet shelves and sliding drawers that provide additional storage and organization options.
Duration
5 months
Year
2023
Design Brief
Situation
In the home, there are a number of high wall cabinets that are difficult for some to reach without assistance. This means people cannot use their cabinet space tot the highest potential. Majority of people who cannot reach the highest shelf need to either climb the countertops or step ladder, which can be both dangerous and a fall risk. Many physically disabled persons also cannot reach the shelves at all, resulting in needing to call for assistance or not to use the space at all.
Goals
To help facilitate accessibility of kitchen shelving by maximizing accessibility and convenience.
To develop an universal kitchen cabinet design that is accessible and usable by people with diverse abilities.
Research
Literature Review
Elderly, people with certain physical disabilities, and people of shorter stature have a harder time reaching upper kitchen cabinets.
Some people find they have storage issues in their kitchen because of lack of space, lack of organization, or both.
Kitchen cabinets are not very agronomical.
There are many statistics of unintentional falls in the home which can cause injury or death in some cases (not necessarily related to kitchen cabinets and step stools).
User Research
Using a survey of 20 questions, data was gathered to reveal insights into pain points of kitchen cabinets and design elements that should be included. The top findings were:
Challenges with reaching higher shelves
Pain from overreaching / physical restraints
Safety concerns
Storage issues
Design Elements
Sketches
Prototyping / User Testing
Approach
When prototyping, the primary concerns was the functionality of the mechanism. The goal was to ensure it could support the weight of items and be sturdy and secure enough to serve as a pull-down cabinet. Once the mechanism was deemed functional, the focus shifted towards the overall aesthetics of the cabinet. For each prototype, 3D modelling software (Rhino) was utilized to design it. Once modelling was complete, it was scaled down to fit the 3D printer bed. Each component was printed separately in PLA plastic, as if it would be for a final build. After all parts were printed, each prototype was constructed using thin wire and super glue.
After each prototype was created, it was tested by potential users on the usability, functionality, and overall satisfaction of the design. This helped identify any issues or areas of improvement for my next iteration.
I had 5 testers test each prototype for basic functionality (opens and closes smoothly and ability to hold and support weight) and had them evaluate the overall aesthetic design for their own preferences. For each tester, I held the prototype up at a height where the bottom of the cabinet was just barely in their reach to simulate the reach issues associated with full-scaled cabinets. I asked each tester to 1) grab the item off the top shelf and 2) return the cabinet to the original (closed) state.
Prototype 1
Initially, the design was to have an inner frame pull-down out of the main frame. From there, the top two shelves could also be pulled down to lay flat it the bottom shelf.
The sizing and proportions of prototype 1 were not accurate, making it difficult to determine if the design would work properly. Additionally, the mechanisms used for the shelves and drawers were not very strong nor stable, making the design less effective overall.
User Testing - Prototype 1
The first iteration user feedback provided many insights on improvements that could be made, such as:
Proportions were off
All five testers made a comment about the sizing and proportions being off.
No handles
With this prototype, there were no handles to indicate what could be moved and what couldn’t. This made it so most testers did not know that the inner frame could come down. On top of that, the shelves had not indications that it could move so the testers did not know what to do without asking.
Mechanism
Once testers realized the inner frame could come out, they mentioned how flimsy the overall cabinet was as it swayed in all directions. They mentioned any movement would shake the entire model, thus making it seem unsafe to put items in.
Shelves
Testers would move the second shelf down first rather than the intended first (top) shelf. When the second shelf was moved before the first shelf, the latter would rotate forwards or backwards, again, making it unsafe to place items. It was also mentioned that if all the shelves were puled out at once, it would take up quite a bit of space and it didn’t seem practical or necessary.
Prototype 2
The focus on prototype 2 was on improving the scaling and sizing of the design, as well as making the mechanisms more functional and sturdy.
A raised bit was added to the bottom support beam to allow the top beam to rest on it without exceeding 90 degrees. The mechanism was also attached differently got provide more support.
The cutout at the bottom of the main frame was still not large enough for the inner frame to move down without catching on the main frame. The bottom was slowly cut away until it was able to do so.
User Testing - Prototype 2
Feedback from the second iteration user testing provided insight of what worked and what didn’t, such as:
No handles
It was once again mentioned to include a handle to the inner frame so users knew it could come out.
Mechanism
The adjustments made to the mechanism help keep everything more sturdy. There was little to no movement of the cabinet and it no longer swayed forward or backwards.
Shelves
Because there were no shelves on this iteration, users were unsure what the final design and if they would still like it.
Prototype 3
The final prototype was created with the updated measurements collected from the previous iteration. This prototype also incorporated handles and standard sliding drawers.
User Testing - Prototype 3
The third and final prototype relieved testers previous concerns.
Handles
Users could easily identify that the inner frame could come down. It also made it easer for them to do that compared to earlier iterations where they needed to grab the frame itself.
Shelves
The added sliding drawers allowed users to get a sense of how the overall design looked and worked.
Manufacturing
In order to save on time and materials, a 1/3 scale model was constructed for the final build rather than a full scaled model.
Building out the frames and mechanisms, ensuring everything fits.
Adding edge banding to cover exposed wood sides
Sanding down all surfaces for a smooth finish
Final Built Model
Cabinet closed
Cabinet opened
Cabinet opened with inner frame pulled out
Sliding drawers
Supported mechanism
Cutout handles on drawers
Renders
Conclusion
Although the final product was successful in showcasing an initial idea and design, there are some improvements that can still be made. One improvement would be the addition of gas struts to help facilitate the user experience and lighten the load in which the user would need to push the cabinet back up into its stagnant state. This was in to be included in the final build, but due to calculation and processing errors, they were not able to be added in. Minor changes to the mechanisms would need to be made first in order for the gas struts to be properly included.