The Electrolux Melodi is one of the Electrolux Design Lab 2012 semi-finalists, and for a good reason too. Unfortunately, little information about this submission has been released, but what is known is rather impressive.
This unusual little cup acts as gauging strainer for liquids, conceived to make the art of cooking a great deal easier for those of us who are visually impaired. Because the blind have no way of viewing how close a fluid ingredient is to a certain volume line on a measuring cup, this instrument works with a different and more finely tuned sense.
As water, for instance, is poured through Elena Sitnikova's Electrolux Melodi, the passage of the substance makes a range of unique sounds. This audio feedback informs the user about the amount of liquid that's passed.
Noise-Making Measurers
The Melodi Gauges and Communicates Capacity to the Blind While They Cook
Trend Themes
1. Accessible Cooking Tools - The Electrolux Melodi demonstrates the trend of creating kitchen tools that are specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments, providing them with a more inclusive cooking experience.
2. Sensory Feedback Devices - The use of sound as a means of providing feedback and information is a growing trend in the development of assistive devices, as seen in the Electrolux Melodi measuring cup.
3. Inclusive Design Solutions - The Electrolux Melodi showcases the trend of designing products that cater to the needs of diverse user groups, promoting inclusivity in everyday tasks such as cooking.
Industry Implications
1. Kitchenware - The kitchenware industry can explore the opportunity to develop more accessible and inclusive cooking tools, like the Electrolux Melodi, that cater to the needs of individuals with visual impairments.
2. Assistive Technology - The field of assistive technology can leverage the use of sensory feedback devices, such as the Electrolux Melodi, to enhance the independence and autonomy of individuals with disabilities in various daily activities, including cooking.
3. Product Design - The Electrolux Melodi highlights the need for product designers to incorporate inclusive design principles and consider the specific requirements of diverse user groups, like individuals with visual impairments, in their designs.