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ElderGuard

An intuitive Class K fire extinguisher designed for emergency scenarios, featuring senior-friendly ergonomics.

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Term 2 // SP 23

Project Duration: 14 Weeks

What if fire extinguishers could seamlessly integrate into home interiors—not as hidden safety tools, but as intentional design elements?

What If?

What if a fire extinguisher was so intuitive that anyone—regardless of training—could use it correctly at first glance?

Research

Fire extinguishers are critical safety tools, yet studies show that over 40% of people hesitate or fail to use them correctly in emergencies (NFPA, 2022)

30% of users fail to pull the safety pin correctly under stress (Journal of Emergency Medicine), often due to unclear grip markings. Modern designs now use color-contrasted pins and tactile arrows to guide hands instinctively.

Studies reveal that during fires, people typically have less than 5 seconds to locate and decide to use an extinguisher before panic sets in (UL Fire Safety Research). This highlights the need for instantly recognizable designs and glow-in-the-dark placement.

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"The labels are too small! My eyesight isn’t what it used to be—I can’t read the tiny text in an emergency."

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"They’re heavier than they look. My arthritis makes it hard to lift and squeeze the handle properly."

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"Why’s the pin so stubborn? I’ve seen people fumble with that metal clip when panicked—it needs to be simpler."

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"Out of sight, out of mind. We keep ours buried in a closet. If there’s a fire, I might forget where it is."

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A shape that is easier on fingers when you pull

A walkthrough of my thought process during design phase.

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Ideation
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Proportion

Method for easy access safty pin

Prototype & Test Models

Finalized 3 ideas on ideation phase. Went ahead and made several 1:1 scale models to test ergonomics and size.

Refinement

Analyzed different pros and Cons from the mockups, and refinements. Time for final model!

Final Model & Details

Finalized 3 ideas on ideation phase. Went ahead and made several 1:1 scale models to test ergonomics and size.

Take a closer look at my model and the details

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