Ergonomic Cutlery Set - Ocean Awareness Charity Brief

As part of my advanced ergonomics module, I designed a concept cutlery set in response to a self-directed brief for an ocean awareness charity. The project required a deep exploration of physical and cognitive ergonomics, ensuring the final design was not only aesthetically aligned with the charity’s values but meaningfully inclusive and intuitive to use.

The development process began with anthropometric analysis, using hand dimension data to establish appropriate handle diameters, lengths, and curvature. I investigated how individuals with different hand sizes and grip strengths naturally hold cutlery, identifying variations in pinch grip, power grip, and supported grip positions. This informed the sculpting of the handle geometry to accommodate a wider range of users comfortably.

Beyond physical ergonomics, I considered cognitive ergonomics — designing subtle guidance into the form itself. Tactile “gill” grip features were strategically positioned to intuitively indicate optimal finger placement without requiring instruction. These surface details not only enhanced grip security but acted as behavioural cues, gently directing users toward more stable and ergonomic hand positions.

Materiality and form language were influenced by the ocean awareness theme, balancing fluid, wave-like contours with practical usability. The result was a set of cutlery that communicated its narrative through form while maintaining functional clarity.