Bedford man solves 'risky' kitchen problem with new chopping board

A student from Bedford has designed a chopping board to help people with poor dexterity and impaired vision stay safe in the kitchen.

Ryan Crosbie, who studies at Nottingham Trent University, came up with the idea after witnessing his grandma struggling to cut vegetables safely, he says that due to his grandma’s difficulties with poor eyesight and ability to grip she had previously suffered cuts and minor injuries when preparing vegetables, which inspired him to try and create a solution.

Hen said: "The kitchen can pose some real risks for older people.

“I couldn’t find anything in the market that tried to address sight, strength and dexterity issues to help protect the older generation from these nasty injuries that can even result in hospital visits.”

Ryan, who is studying BA Product Design, has designed and made a wooden chopping board that features two magnetised grips that can hold vegetables in place and shield the user’s hand.

The elderly can also struggle with conditions such as arthritis and tremors which his product has also considered.

Once attached, the grips can easily slide along a magnetic strip on the board to allow the user to safely and securely grip and chop the vegetable, whatever the size.

The board also features a bright guide line as a visual aid to assist the user with lining up their knife with the vegetables for each chop and slice.

The 22-year-old said: “I had to create a way of chopping vegetables that required minimal strength or dexterity but was also bright and bold to help users see what they are doing.

"The magnets under the grips allow for easy adjusting to fit the size of whatever vegetable the user needs to cut with their knife.

“To help develop my product I conducted user testing with a group aged between 65-80 and the reactions were amazing.

"People found it comfortable and really easy-to-use and even wanted one in their own kitchen.”

Ryan’s product ‘Chop’ is currently on display for We Are NTU Design Industries, Nottingham Trent University’s Product Design degree show, a curated virtual exhibition displaying the work of all final year product design students.

Product Design Senior Lecturer, Joseph Stewart, said: “Ryan has shown how innovative, user-centred design can help solve a very real problem.

“He identified a need for better safety in the kitchen and his product provides just that. A fantastic example of user-centric design.”