DIY is a popular activity among those of retirement age, but domestic power tools are designed without taking into account the physical impairments resulting from the ageing process. Through a close partnership with the UK’s largest home improvement retailer B&Q and a user-centred research centre, the Royal College of Art, Helen Hamlyn Centre, the design researcher Matthew White was able to develop a series of easy-to-use DIY power tools.

With intensive input from older users, four new or improved power tools were developed. The prototypes received positive feedback from both users and the industry partner. The cordless screwdriver and the palm-sized sander - shown opposite - were taken to market. This case study demonstrates that retailers can drive consumer product development from within and a study of older users can help generate viable inclusive solutions.

See the industry projects section of the RCA Helen Hamlyn Centre website for more information on this case study, and others from the research associates programme.