BOOKERCHIEF
research & design assistant / product design
CHALLENGE
bookerchief is a new handkerchief in the shape of a book, designed with visually impaired people during a 3-day universal design workshop. In line with the main theme of "Tourism and Design," the workshop aimed to find issues between our lives while conducting research with lead users, and to design new products and services that would enable us, including people with disabilities, to enjoy our lives while sightseeing.
SOLUTION
During our field research, we gained one insight from the behavior of the visually impaired. We learned from the behavior of visually impaired people that they repeatedly put their hands on the same side of a handkerchief, even if it is not soiled.
So we designed a new handkerchief with four pages, like a book. Once you put your hand on it, you turn the old page over. Once the new page appeared, the handkerchief could then be placed on the clean side. The shape, materials, and number of pages were determined through extensive use of rapid prototyping, discussion with lead users, and testing.
RESULT
On the final day, the students made presentations at the design workshop. It won the "Best Design Award" as voted by the audience. They also proposed how to display the store and their vision of how it could become a new type of guidebook for tourists.
Lead user
Research and design with the visually handicapped.
He loves to talk and fashion. He has many accessories and more than 50 hats.
Insight from field research
Concept
Use it clean and look smart. New handkerchief with 4 pages like a book.
With or without visual handicaps, we use our handkerchiefs repeatedly without noticing the stains on them.
After eating the sushi, he put his hand on a handkerchief. We found that there is a stain on his handkerchief.
Prototyping & User testing
Quick and dirty prototyping and testing with a lead user
How to use
After washing hands, wipe hands on the surface. Fold it back to reveal a new surface. The next time you use it, you can wipe your hands with the new surface.
It also makes a stylish accent when placed in a pocket.
Award
Won the Best Design Award for IAUD 48hours WS
Awarded the Best Design Award for the final presentation at the IAUD 48-hour workshop. The proposal included the use of handkerchiefs as tourist guides and displays.