TWO STUDENTS who have designed a mug which doubles as a kettle have won an award from Arthritis Ireland.
The Kug (kettle/mug) sets out to resolve the problems that many people with arthritis have in trying to lift kettles which, by design and weight, are often too difficult for sufferers to handle. The Kug has a hidden heating element in its base, which brings water to the boil in 90 minutes. The Kug was the unanimous choice of the judging panel for the first Arthritis Ireland Easy to Use Design Awards. The panel included
Dragons's Den
entrepreneur Sean Gallagher.
The winners, third-year National College of Art and Design students Alan Harrison, from Mayo and Ben Millet, from Roscommon, have had discussions with Mr Gallagher and his fellow Dragon Bobby Kerr of the Insomnia coffee chain to bring their product to market.
A door handle designed to eliminate wrist rotation, a nail polish applicator with enhanced grip and an easy grip-and-pour alternative to drink cartons have all been commended.
The awards, open to third-year NCAD students, are aimed at providing practical solutions to the everyday problems confronted by arthritis sufferers and elderly people.
