

Summary
Summary
"Sano Genu: Design for senior citizens"
"I may not have walked a mile in my grandpa's shoes, but I have felt the ache in his knees with each step he took. His strength in the face of such pain has inspired me to always keep moving forward." - Smith Makwana
Sano Genu focuses on addressing the discomfort experienced by senior citizens who spend extended hours working in the kitchen. The project introduces a specialized knee cap design catering to this demographic, aiming to provide relief and customization. Through the integration of therapeutic magnets and 3D printed breathable material, the design offers acupuncture points for comfort and personalization. Spearheaded by Dr. B. K. Chakravarthy, a Professor in Product Innovation at the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay, this innovative knee cap secured recognition as the winner of an idea contest held in collaboration with Aarambh incubator centre, SSIP, and The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC). Notably, the design is patented under Intellectual Property India, signifying its unique and protected status.
"Sano Genu: Design for senior citizens"
"I may not have walked a mile in my grandpa's shoes, but I have felt the ache in his knees with each step he took. His strength in the face of such pain has inspired me to always keep moving forward." - Smith Makwana
Sano Genu focuses on addressing the discomfort experienced by senior citizens who spend extended hours working in the kitchen. The project introduces a specialized knee cap design catering to this demographic, aiming to provide relief and customization. Through the integration of therapeutic magnets and 3D printed breathable material, the design offers acupuncture points for comfort and personalization. Spearheaded by Dr. B. K. Chakravarthy, a Professor in Product Innovation at the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay, this innovative knee cap secured recognition as the winner of an idea contest held in collaboration with Aarambh incubator Centre, SSIP, and The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC). Notably, the design is patented under Intellectual Property India, signifying its unique and protected status.
Project scope
Project scopE
The project aims to alleviate lower body pain among senior citizens by developing a specialized leg support. This support system is intended for use during activities in the kitchen that require standing for extended periods. The design will prioritize comfort, stability, and ergonomic considerations to provide effective relief and support for seniors experiencing discomfort or strain in their lower body while engaging in kitchen tasks.
The project aims to alleviate lower body pain among senior citizens by developing a specialized leg support. This support system is intended for use during activities in the kitchen that require standing for extended periods. The design will prioritize comfort, stability, and ergonomic considerations to provide effective relief and support for seniors experiencing discomfort or strain in their lower body while engaging in kitchen tasks.




Major Causes Of Knee Pain
Major Causes Of Knee Pain




The idea
behind
creating
these products.
The idea behind
creating these products.
The story behind the knee cap design began with a group of designers who were concerned about the difficulties that senior citizens faced while working in the kitchen. They noticed that many elderly people had knee pain, especially those who spent long hours standing in the kitchen. To address this issue, the designers came up with an innovative solution: a kneecap that incorporated acupuncture points through magnets and a Velcro strap for customization and comfort.
The idea was to provide relief to the knee joints by stimulating specific pressure points, which are believed to improve blood flow and reduce pain.They consulted with doctors, physical therapists, and other experts in the field to refine the design and ensure that it was safe and easy to use. After finalizing the design we tested the prototype and improved it as per the feedback of the senior citizens.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many users reporting significant improvements in their knee pain and overall quality of life. The success of the knee cap design was a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By working together, designers were able to create a product that truly made a difference in the lives of senior citizens, helping them to continue cooking and enjoying their time in the kitchen without pain or discomfort.
The story behind the knee cap design began with a group of designers who were concerned about the difficulties that senior citizens faced while working in the kitchen. They noticed that many elderly people had knee pain, especially those who spent long hours standing in the kitchen. To address this issue, the designers came up with an innovative solution: a kneecap that incorporated acupuncture points through magnets and a Velcro strap for customization and comfort.
The idea was to provide relief to the knee joints by stimulating specific pressure points, which are believed to improve blood flow and reduce pain.They consulted with doctors, physical therapists, and other experts in the field to refine the design and ensure that it was safe and easy to use. After finalizing the design we tested the prototype and improved it as per the feedback of the senior citizens.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many users reporting significant improvements in their knee pain and overall quality of life. The success of the knee cap design was a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By working together, designers were able to create a product that truly made a difference in the lives of senior citizens, helping them to continue cooking and enjoying their time in the kitchen without pain or discomfort.


Project journey

concept synthesis
This innovative knee cap draws inspiration from adidas' Yeezy foam structure, aiming to tackle severe sweating issues experienced with traditional knee caps. Featuring a porous design for consistent air circulation, it prevents excessive perspiration during wear. Constructed with flexible elastic Breathable TPE 3D-Printed material between the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles, it ensures comfort and support.
Integrated magnetic acupressure elements provide ongoing relief, while the layered stitching combines cotton for perspiration absorption and foam for a pleasant texture, enhancing overall comfort and usability.
features
features
C
Elastic material links thigh and lower leg muscles for flexibility.
C
Elastic material links thigh and lower leg muscles for flexibility.
A
Adjustable Velcro's strap for better comfort
A
Adjustable Velcro's strap for better comfort
D
Embedded soft magnets for therapy
D
Embedded soft magnets for therapy
B
Breathable TPE
3D-Printed material
B
Breathable TPE
3D-Printed material


concept synthesis
This innovative knee cap draws inspiration from adidas' Yeezy foam structure, aiming to tackle severe sweating issues experienced with traditional knee caps. Featuring a porous design for consistent air circulation, it prevents excessive perspiration during wear. Constructed with flexible elastic Breathable TPE 3D-Printed material between the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles, it ensures comfort and support.
Integrated magnetic acupressure elements provide ongoing relief, while the layered stitching combines cotton for perspiration absorption and foam for a pleasant texture, enhancing overall comfort and usability.
features
A
Adjustable Velcro's strap for better comfort
B
Breathable TPE
3D-Printed material
C
Elastic material links thigh and lower leg muscles for flexibility.
D
Embedded soft magnets for therapy
B