This idea has a great opportunity to benefit users. This idea could increase the independence of individuals with weakened mobility in their hands and wrists. This device would enable users to carry heavy cooking pots or other cylindrical objects more easily with an adjustable and heat-resistant grip.

A potential problem could be using this device after the pot has been on a heat source. For example, with intense heat radiating off it while filled, it could still be considerably difficult to handle without leaning against the abdomen. We would have to assume that the individual using this would still have ideal core and back strength to carry the weight, which is not certain. If low core strength were the case for many users, device consumption would decrease. Another potential solution or refinement to assist with this could be including heat-resistant material between the pot and the user’s abdomen, and exploring possibilities where users do not have ideal core strength.

Implementing this prototype would still significantly improve the independence of those affected. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024) and Woodhead (2022) state that more than 3.2 million Australians are affected by osteoarthritis or similar musculoskeletal disabilities, which is a significant number compared to the total population of Australia.

Overall, this idea has the potential to increase the independence of many users if all constraints are improved.

Clio Hurley from CQU ENEG12007 Creative Engineering Class

Absolutely awesome idea, speaking from experience with family members who also have weak wrists, this will likely help a great many who still enjoy cooking even in their older or less able state. 

The heat aspect of the idea is a hard one to tackle, as while using heat resistant materials is a great idea, the problem lies in the heat radiating from the pot after being filled. A thicker piece of thick cloth placed on the side facing the person might help with this issue as it will absorb much of the heat that would otherwise be absorbed by the body when carrying close to the chest. 

The issue of support is also an interesting one as the wrists aren't always the problem but also the arms and sometimes core. Expanding the mechanism for carrying seems like it would make the invention far more cumbersome, so it might also be helpful to rest some weight at the chest or stomach, potentially thickening the strap so that it would not be uncomfortable to do so.  

Love the idea overall, and can't wait to see where you go from here. 

Kind Regards

William O'Shea CQU ENEG12007

Very thoughtful idea with heartfelt intention, Annalyse. Supporting users in small yet meaningful ways such as increasing stability, grip strength and ultimately independence is commonly overlooked. The heat resistance, adjustability and ergonomic focus is well suited to the target user. 

One other aspect that would be interesting to investigate would be quick release or one-handed usability, or perhaps a more rigid base wrapped in a soft fabric. This would allow the product to be utilised by users experiencing tremors or limited coordination as fine motor skills aren't relied on. 

Overall, this design has strong potential to increase user confidence and day to day independence.

Kyra Hughes from CQU ENEG12007 Creative Engineering Class