Gathering user needs in the development of the POWER-HAND opening aid - A successful consumer product for the wider market

How can we improve the chances of success of future products during the development process? This should be one of the foremost questions during the formulation of a project plan and the conceptualisation of a new product. Without commercial initiative from the start, many research projects fail to reap the rewards that are associated with successful implementation of genuine ideas. The aims of this chapter are to offer an insight into our experiences in the gathering of user needs for the development of a new assistive product, POWERHAND, a consumer kitchen appliance currently being developed from concept to commercial reality. Developed as part of the PACKAGE project (Provision for improved lifestyles via Access to Consumer pacKAGEs), funded by the European Commission IST programme, the aim of the finished product is to improve access to a wide range of packaging types, for a wide range of users. Throughout the designers have relied upon a close and ongoing relationship with end-users in order to deliver a successful product.