Designing for dignity: Co-creating mainstream adaptive eating utensils for people with Parkinson’s

To address the alimentary challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP), this study explored their mealtime experiences and identified strategies for improving adaptive utensil design. Using a participatory approach, we conducted surveys, semi-structured interviews, and a co-design workshop to gather comprehensive insights into both functional and psychosocial barriers. Findings from the qualitative data informed the development of a design guideline, which subsequently shaped the structure and activities of the co-design workshop. During the workshop, PwP, clinicians, and designers collaboratively developed three adaptive eating utensils, which were refined through iterative prototyping and 3D printing, ultimately resulting in a set of mainstream adaptive utensils. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating mainstream aesthetics and user voice into the design of adaptive utensils through co-design and digital fabrication. By moving beyond device-centric approaches, this method supports ergonomic functionality while potentially addressing psychosocial barriers such as self-stigma. The resulting designs aim to promote eating autonomy, comfort, and social inclusion for PwP.

为解决帕金森病患者（People with Parkinson’s Disease，PwP）所面临的进食相关困难，本研究探究了其用餐体验，并明确了优化适配型餐具（adaptive utensil）设计的相关策略。本研究采用参与式研究方法，通过问卷调查、半结构化访谈与协同设计工作坊，全面收集了功能层面与社会心理层面的障碍相关信息。定性数据的研究结果为设计指南的制定提供了依据，该指南随后明确了协同设计工作坊的框架与活动内容。工作坊期间，PwP、临床医师与设计师协同开发了三款适配型用餐餐具，后续通过迭代原型制作与3D打印（3D printing）对其进行优化，最终形成了一套主流适配型餐具。本研究强调了通过协同设计与数字化制造，将主流审美与用户诉求融入适配型餐具设计的重要性。该方法摒弃了以设备为中心的设计思路，既保障了适配型餐具的人机工学性能，同时也可针对性解决诸如自我污名等社会心理层面的障碍。最终的设计方案旨在帮助PwP提升进食自主性、用餐舒适度与社会融入度。