'B-Me' Roche
‘B Me’ is an international awareness initiative which aims to challenge the way people think about living with rheumatoid arthritis.
A series of design concepts have been developed to bring to life the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. These ideas were created in collaboration with international teams of designers, people with rheumatoid arthritis, physicians and advocacy group representatives. Oof Design was part of the team of Greek designers who developed 'Unlimited', 'My-Glove' and 'Easy-Go'.
B-Me documentary. Source: marielenclos youtube channel.
'Unlimited'
The force and turning actions of opening bottles or turning keys can pose a serious challenge for people with rheumatoid arthritis. ‘Unlimited’ is a keyring that pairs a bottle opener and key lever in one stylish tool.
‘Unlimited’ consists of a twisted plane with a rubber-lined opening that fits over a wide variety of bottle caps. Bottles can easily be opened using a simple push. The opposite end has a mounting point for two keys, held by a quick release mechanism. With the key flipped out, the keyring acts as a lever to easily turn a key.
'My-Glove'
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis use wrist splints to protect and immobilize their joints when they feel fatigued and or when they need extra support. Currently, these splints are medical aids that can stigmatise those who wear them.
‘My Glove’ proposes a complete rethink of the wrist splint, designed with modern styling to promote wearability and integration with individual style choices. Closures use a series of lateral rubber teeth that interlock and are secured by a magnet. The closing mechanism is completely adjustable, quiet and requires little force to open and close.
'Easy-Go'
Rheumatoid arthritis often causes loss of feeling in the fingertips. This loss can sometimes make it difficult for people with the condition to lift and tear paper.
Ripping paper rolls is a two handed and sometimes difficult action. Often, the position of a toilet roll is awkward and ripping kitchen roll in particular requires a reasonable amount of strength.
‘Easy-Go’ replaces the current straight perforated paper towels with wider perforations that reduce by half the strength needed to remove each paper section. Undulating edges make individual pieces easier to locate and lift for those with limited dexterity.
More at www.bmeinitiative.com
