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Date: 02.03.2013
From: Calvin

Subject: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Hi there!

I'm currently collecting research/opinions on a product that I believe could help people with arthritis when washing/conditioning their hair in the shower/bath.

I don't actually know anyone directly with arthritis but I am aware how common it is from ages as early as 13.

If anyone would be able to chip in with some opinions etc I'd be incredibly grateful!

Picture your in the shower and you have a small amount of shampoo or conditioner left in the bottle. You find it really difficult and painful to squeeze that bottle due to your arthritis. You then have to massage that shampoo/condition through your hair which causes further pain and discomfort.

What if there was a product which gave you the ability to apply shampoo and conditioner to your hair which helped combat this pain...

For example, a product that you could leave bottles upside down overnight to fill it with shampoo & conditioner which was then dispensed. You could use it in a similar motion to a hair brush in the shower. The product would be much easier to grip and hold for a longer duration.

It is a very basic idea at the moment but if anyone has any views/opinions/ideas they'd like to share it be a great help!

Thank you!
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Date: 02.03.2013
From: Tamar Beck

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

I have trouble squeezing nearly empty bottles. But I do just turn them upside down and scoop from the lid. So I wouldn't need that product. But I would be very interested in a hairbrush type product to massage the shampoo in, as it would stop my hands from hurting.
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Date: 03.03.2013
From: Calvin

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Thanks very much for the post Tamar! I'll keep that in mind!
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Date: 03.03.2013
From: Penne

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

I have no hair
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Date: 04.03.2013
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Unfortunately it would not make a difference what came on the market. When your hands are painfull with any form of Arthritis any kind of movement is a task. When my hands are sore I just struggle or ask a family member to do it.
It isn't just the hands that restrict movement it is also shoulders wrist elbows.
I must say anything that makes life less difficult would be great. I would love to hear any suggestions.
GOOD LUCK
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Date: 05.03.2013
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Perhaps shampoo that came in dispensers a bit like the ones that soap comes in would help as you would just push it down rather than squeeze. I tried putting my shampoo into an empty soap dispenser but it was too hard getting it to come out of the shampoo bottle so i gave up but if they came in the dispensers then i would buy them.
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Date: 05.03.2013
From: Emm

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

I have purchased a long handle hairbrush, which I use daily, due to RA in shoulders.
I find this a big help. Never thought to take it in the shower though.
What kind of 'head, if thats the right word would your aid have to massage with?
I buy various aids ranging from kitchen to personal.
I would say the hairbrush is not very nice looking and looks very ' institutional'.
I would like it if designers of these things would make them more appealing to the eye.
For us females, please.
Good luck with any future designs. I personally like the fact that someone is thinking ofpractical things to make life easy.
Can I also end with the fact that it is expensive when you need special needs items and this is why disabled people are worried they may lose much needed benefits.
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Date: 05.03.2013
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Rhona great idea never thought of that. I agree that would make it so much easier.

You are right Emm we need all the aids to be more girlie. i was looking at support gloves for my hands and the pink ones were £10 more expensive. Hardly fair on us.
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Date: 05.03.2013
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Agree with that Marlene, and why are hand splints always beige? I wanted to get some black ones but they were more expensive.

I would buy shampoo in a dispenser like you say Rhona. I always stand mine upside down so the shampoo comes out easier but I can't see something that massages it into your hair as well as being very effective.
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Date: 08.03.2013
From: Calvin

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Thanks for your feedback everyone! I'm still currently piecing ideas together but you've been a great help in trying to find a solution to what I'm hoping to design here!
Emm, it was a big issue to me that products for those with arthritis etc were quite bland and dull. i've always had it in my mind that the product will be something you should enjoy using and want to use due to its functionality and aesthetics. I'm glad you raised that point as it's high on my list!
In regards to the head, i'm working on that at the moment but it will be something that replicates the feeling of your hair being brushed, whilst shampoo and conditioner are being dispensed. I'm looking to put forward quite a modern, organic design.

Rhona, i've just thought about your suggestion and am puzzled as to why companies havent brought out their products in soap dispensers! it would make everything so much easier. i'll definitely keep the idea in mind!

Marlene, over the week, i've found that arthritis in the shoulders, wrists and elbows restrict your movement quite a bit when trying to do things such as washing your hair. it is definitely a design consideration i'm looking into. thanks!

bsk, shampoo and conditioner bottles are so poorly design i've found. the shape of them either makes them impossible to stand upside down or makes them really difficult to squeeze! i even find it difficult sometimes to squeeze that last lot of shampoo/conditioner out! the dispenser is something i'm also looking into. Thanks!
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Date: 08.03.2013
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Glad we could help and good luck. Let us know if you come up with something usable and pretty.
Take Care
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Date: 08.03.2013
From: Linda

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

I'm pretty sure you can get bottles of shampoo/conditioner where the liquid comes from the bottom rather than the top. I forget which ones as i tend to buy the ones that are on offer.

A dispenser is a good idea.
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Date: 14.03.2013
From: Emm

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

You are right about the shape of bottles, for people with hand restrictions.
I find on many occasions they slip out of my hands in the shower and have a nasty habit of dropping on my poor arthritic feet.......
Oh the trials and tribulations of living with this debilitating disease!!!!!
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Date: 29.03.2013
From: Calvin

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Thanks for all your feedback!

I've got a product which is actually a motion sensor shampoo and condition dispenser which can be easily stuck to the shower wall! I've added on a long handled hairbrush which can be used if you have arthritis in your shoulders, elbows, fingers etc.

I am currently finishing the design off but was wondering if you would prefer the dispensers to be quite rounded in shape or would you prefer a more straight edge, sleek design?

Thanks! :)
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Date: 29.03.2013
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

I think a straight edge sleek design would be better. Good Luck with this. Take Care
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Date: 11.04.2013
From: Calvin

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

thanks for your comment marlene!

any other feedback regarding the shape and any other ideas would be greatly appreciated as i really want to get the design finished within the next few days!

Thanks :)
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Date: 11.04.2013
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Calvin you seem to have got it just right. Good luck and let us know when it is on the market. I will definately buy one (as long as not to expensive)
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Date: 11.04.2013
From: kazz

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

I think a dispenser that u could fill one side shampoo other conditioner that you could use via innerside of arms bit like the taps in hospitals would be a great idea
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Date: 11.04.2013
From: David

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Sounds like a really good idea you got here for all abilities. It's a problem i have when i'm in the shower. Personally i'd keep the shape sleek so it is similar to other bathroom utilities and would not look out of place in any bathroom.

Good luck!
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Date: 11.04.2013
From: GEORGE

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

STRAIGHT EDGE IS MORE MODERN AND EASIER TO NAVIGATE, BEING PARTIALLY SIGHTED HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT ADDING BRAILLE? NO WORRIES THEN ABOUT MIXING THEM UP!
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Date: 12.04.2013
From: Calvin

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

thanks marlene! :)

that's pretty much what i'm going for Kazz asides from it will be a motion sensor so you just have to put your hand underneath to trigger the shampoo or conditioner!

thanks david.

george, it's definatley something i'll look into. come to think of it, it would be a great addition as so many things today have braille on it, and so while giving those with arthritis an easier job of getting shampoo/condition, the product could be stretched even further so that anyone with arthritis or impaired vision, or both could use it!

Thanks again everyone
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Date: 12.04.2013
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

Why limit it to shampoo? You could have soap dispenser, washing up liquid, hand cream etc.
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Date: 12.04.2013
From: Sarah

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

it is a good idea. when i wash my hair it is quite painful because i have arthritis in my hands. not having to squeeze any bottles is ideal. the idea you said about the brush would be good because it would mean i would not have to use my fingers through my hair.
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Date: 12.04.2013
From: kazz

Subject: Re: Product Design Project At Brighton University looking at Arthritis

i wish someone made engagment /wedding rings that expanded when your fingers swell up i cant wear mine alot nomore :(
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