CAPER

THE PROBLEM

The many common cooking oil dispensers are not optimized for human use because of their impractical size and because they require the user to tip the bottle over to pour the oil out. As a result, it alienates people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities from the culinary world. Furthermore, these types of dispensers are not comfortable to use and are messy even for people who are able bodied.

CAPER

Caper is the arthritis friendly oil dispenser tailored to the empty nester persona. It features a self-sealing valve and lightweight squeeze bottle design to prevent strain. Additionally, the container requires flipping only during the refilling process.

PROCESS

DESIGN BRIEF

Design a product that enables people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities to utilize cooking oil in a precise, mess-free way, while simultaneously reducing strain.

MUST

Be lightweight, ergonomic and keep hand/arm in neutral position • Not require pinching/screwing mechanisms or other functions which involve precise movements • Not require heavy lifting • Be usable for cooking oil and finishing oils
SHOULD

Be mess free and easy to clean; no drip • Have a straightforward interface • Be refillable and reusable
COULD

Be easily repairable and/or recyclable if broken • Be adapted for use with condiments and sauces

USER PERSONAS

EMPTY NESTER

Age Range 35-40+ years old
Occupation Senior roles or retired
Parents whose children have grown and moved out • Like to host people every now and then as they have a lot of time to themselves • Enjoy cooking more intricate and complex dishes • Prioritize aesthetics and functionality • Do not mind splurging occasionally • Somewhat health conscious
COLLEGE STUDENT

Age Range 17-24 years old
Occupation Part-time job
Students who live in campus dormitories/apartments • Are very busy balancing classes so feeding themselves is low on the priority list • Frequent the dining hall and buy takeout more than cooking for themselves • Unlikely to step foot into the kitchen other than to make a midnight grilled cheese
MEAL PREPPER

Age Range 25-34 years old
Occupation Entry level roles/transitional stage
People with an A-type personality who aim for a sense of control in their lives • Are frequent gymgoers that care a lot about a balanced diet; married to their air-fryer • Cook once or twice a week in bulk to manage their nutrition goals and busy lifestyle • Prefer very precise measurements; their measuring cups are never clean for longer than a few hours • Enjoy cooking more intricate and complex dishes occasionally