[Not healthcare-related, but to do with ergonomics, well-being, and moving it up the hierarchy of design needs, so hitting several bases from the readings and viewings. ~KA]Â
I love my kayak, but a small yet critical design problem is that the cargo hold is behind me, so I can’t reach stuff while I’m on the water. The design does not account for the limitations of body-movement (ergonomics!) I am, however, inspired by hunger! Or rather: simply by the need for being able to get my lunch--or at least a snack-- without going ashore!! A small hatch in the front so I can reach a lunchbox or dry-bag without having to twist around or blindly fumble behind me, would be good. It should be about 18″ forward and only needs to be about 12″ across. It should be such that it can be unlatched and locked again with only one hand. There should be a water-tight seal around the lid. The lid itself could have a small net on it so things could be stored there as well. There could even be a net-bag in the hatch to keep things from falling into the kayak itself. This improves functionality, safety, and well-being. (Considering Michaels Graves’ talk here...) It also changes the overall kayaking experience by allowing longer stretches of paddling without going ashore. It may not be more “proficient” but it´s at least more “user-friendly” (See “Hierarchy of Design Needs”)
