Tailor your home to the perfect height
regular kitchen
agile kitchen a solution to RSA brief 6
problem Accessibility is a universal problem at home. Modern houses are rigidly designed with standard heights and no way to tailor them to specific needs. Overreaching causes many pain points in the home. Unfortunately, existing solutions are exorbitantly expensive and require invasive installation processes, becoming only viable for those well off.
process One on one interviews and surveys were undertaken with key stakeholders from Dawes Homes Trust among others. Empathetic research was a valuable tool in discovering primary accessibility issues in standard kitchens. Focus groups of young families identified further pain points experienced in different age brackets. Our continuous collaboration with stakeholders identified that cost and installation complexity were major obstacles in uptake of existing products, revealing the necessity of simplification, and the ability to retrofit solutions.
proposal Agile uses an innovative, removable motor and seperate selflocking mechanism. One motor can service multiple mechanisms, reducing complexity and price. This portable source of mechanical and electrical power eliminates invasive wiring, further reducing the cost. The worm-wheel mechanism is cheap and lightweight, using automotive lifting principles for strength and control.
a solution to RSA brief 6
motor block
Board 1
Available in multiple colourways to match any kitchen. The simple sprung slider is used to control movement.
The motor block provides mechanical and electrical power to the agile system. The splined coupler allows for an easy and multidirectional connection
The 72W motor block is built with userserviceable industry standard components.
The fast-charge cradle houses the motor block and incorporates intuitive LED charge indicators.
exploded diagram of motor block
a solution to RSA brief 6
mechanism Illustration of top cupboard mechanism
Board 2
Simple mechanism with few components minimises overall cost. Trapezoidal screw thread prevents cupboard from moving when unpowered.
Geared mechanism transfers mechanical power 90° for vertical lifting. Utilises worm and wheel self-locking characteristics. exploded diagram of worm and wheel gearbox
Full scale testing of the mechanism under load conditions. Smooth runners used to constrain motion to vertical axis.
Motor Interface
Enclosed splined shaft transfers mechanical power. Shutters prevent kitchen dust and grease build-up.
Physical prototyping proof of concept
a solution to RSA brief 6
use in context
Board 3
Tailor your kitchen to your life. Raise or lower worksurfaces to adjust to the user’s needs. Cupboards can be easily locked out of a child’s reach. Agile empowers everyone to find comfort in the use of their own home, eliminating pain related to overreaching.
Utilise the full height of your room. Store infrequently used items out of sight and access them effortlessly. Adjust the height of kitchen appliances for safer use.
a solution to RSA brief 6
all uses
Board 4
Examples of agile kitchen appliances Agile is not limited to vertical movement. With an on-board power supply it can mechanically or electrically power a variety of household appliances.
Agile unlocks new possibilities for vertical space. Long term storage can be lifted to the ceiling whilst being easily accessible.
Long term storage solution
The base unit solution enables pre-owned cupboards and appliances to be installed on new mounting hardware, allowing for maximum flexibility.
Base unit solution
Wall units throughout the home can be moved to a comfortable creating universal accessibility.
Wall unit solution
a solution to RSA brief 6