Mugsy

YEAR

2023

PROMPT

Inspired Homeshow Design

Mugsy is a medical-adjacent drinking cup more specialized for aging than standard drinkware but preempting end of life care. Ensuring safety and comfortability eases the transition into aging, and helps prevent injuries and medical issues related to dehydration. Mugsy is suitable for hot and cold beverages and has an open handle, textured body, and an easy-open lid/built-in coaster for those with low grip strength and mobility. It also features internal liquid measurements and a semi-opaque body for users to track their liquid intake.

When visiting my grandmother Muggy last summer, I noticed that she had switched out the classic mugs and cups I had always remembered her using for a random collection of medical cups. She explained to me that her old cups were heavy, spilled easily, and moving them around while one-handedly pushing her wheelchair had gotten too difficult.
My grandmother is still a very independant woman, but her preferred drinkware wasn’t providing the utility she needed as she aged. Helping her search online, we found the market was scarce for drinkware that would meet the specific needs of this period of her life.

Up to 40% of community-dwelling elderly people may be chronically underhydrated

Of 493 homebound older adults 15.62% were at significant risk of suicide.

About 27% of U.S. adults age 60 and older were living alone in 2020.

Sharon Mitcheltree

- Needs walker portability
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- Tracks water intake
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- Minds ease of use (lid removal)
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Uses medical cup for:
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- Sliding lip opening
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- Liquid measure marks
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- Wide handle

Robin Bock

- Needs emotional connection
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- Minds weight, hand feel and secure grip
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- Has trouble balancing independence and aesthetic preference
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- Poor visibility of drinking area can cause spills
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- Needs liquid visible

Mirabella Residents

- Textured glass or plastic lessens condensation
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- Generally prefer durable plastic to other materials
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- Frustrated with non-functional communal drinkware
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- Enjoy simple patterns and designs
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- No heavy drinkware