UMAI is a compact kitchen unit designed for wheelchair users. It contains a cooktop, sink, storage space, cutting board and trash can. While wheelchair users can stay in one place to access most kitchen features, it reduces the need to repeatedly move around the kitchen. It also provides proper knee space an adjustable countertop for each individual’s height. A system of magnets is embedded in the countertop, cooktops and cutting board as a guide for moving each feature above the kitchen unit. With the freedom of moving the cutting board and cooktops, users can arrange these features according to their need during the cooking process.
KITCHEN FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS
In a wheelchair friendly house, the kitchen is as important as the bathroom. Being able to perform the cooking activity has a positive enhancement to wheelchair users’ mental confidence.
MAJOR ISSUES FOR NON-ADAPTED KITCHEN
Mobility in Kitchen is a major issue for wheelchair users to perform cooking tasks within the space. In my opinion, it is related to not only the ability to move around in the kitchen, but also refers to a place where they could do most of the cooking tasks without moving around too much. Another issue that would be included in this category is that most wheelchair users do not want to get their handrail dirty while cooking, thus, they have to wash their hand every time before pushing the wheelchair. .
Working Height is basically fixed when the kitchen counter/island is being installed. Therefore, there are not so many options for wheelchair users to have a working platform with suitable height. This lead to the use of cutting board on the lap of wheelchair users. The cutting board provides a working space with a more proper height and a better cutting angle for them.
Working Position refers to the direction they face while cooking. For the wheelchair users who do not have an adapted kitchen, they could not place their wheelchair under the working counter. Most of the kitchen counters have cabinets under it, in order to make use of the space. However, when it comes to wheelchair users, that space under the counter is very important. It would provide the space for their wheelchairs to fit in and help them to work as facing front. Without that space, they need to park the wheelchair sideway and twist their upper body in order to use the counter which would be really uncomfortable for them, moreover, it is even harder for wheelchair users with weaker core muscle.
PRODUCT FEATURES
INDUCTION COOKTOP
The two induction cooktops allow users to cook two dishes at the same time. Users can move the cooktop closer for a better working distance or they can push the cooktop to the back while using cutting board or other features.
MOVABLE
The handle on the cooktop help users to pull it, even with restriction of using their hand muscle. With the freedom of moving the cutting board and cooktops, users can arrange these features according to their need during the cooking process.
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
The control panel for the cooktop is located in the front of the kitchen unit. This makes it easier for users to reach and the enlarged button also helps them to operate.
CUTTING BOARD
The cutting board can slide above the front part of the countertop.
DETACHABLE
The cutting board can be detached from the countertop and serve as a usual cutting board or a platform for transferring items from another cabinet.
TRANSFER BETWEEN HOT & WET
The cutting board and the cooktop share the same height, so users can use the cutting board to slide the pot between faucet and cooktop, keeping the heat and electricity away from water.
STORAGE SPACE
The storage space is hidden underneath the cooktops and provide the space for needed utensils, cooking tools or some plates. Users can access the storage space by sliding the cooktop sideways.
FOOD CONTAINER
The food container is a place for users to put the ingredient before using them for cooking. It is positioned on the side on the cutting board. By simply push down the cut ingredient into the container, it helps some wheelchair users who have difficulties picking up due to the lack of hand muscle. The containers can be detached for cleaning and can be replaced by users’ own containers.
