Sips For Seniors

Project Duration | 5 Weeks

Project Date | Fall 2026

Skills Used | Sketching, Fusion360, 3D Printing, KeyShot

Drink & Context

Lemon-ginger tea blends zesty lemon with warm, spicy ginger for a soothing, tangy drink, sweetened with honey or sugar.

Naturally caffeine-free, lemon-ginger tea promotes relaxation and may support digestion and immune health.

A memory care unit in a nursing home provides a safe, supportive environment for residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive impairments who need assistance with daily tasks.

The unit typically has 25–30 residents and 5–7 caregivers who assist with personal care, meals & daily routines.

Drink Journey Map

Design Goals

Initial Sketches

Green vignettes highlight the designs that continued on to the next round of iteration sketches.

Yellow vignettes, indicate concepts that were less functional or accessible.

During my initial sketches, I explored different designs for the cups, lids, handles and tea pots, focusing on functionality and accessibility.

Further Set Exploration

Here I explored various handle designs, teapot mechanisms, spout shapes, and storage solutions for the honey and sugar, with more focus on functionality, accessibility, and ease of use.

3D Exploration

Using cardboard, I began 3D modeling my sets. This allowed for me to get an idea for the shape, size and proportion of each piece. As well as how the different components fit and interacted with one another as a cohesive set.

Usability Testing

Through usability testing with my classmates, I gained valuable insight into the functionality and comfort of the different handle designs, allowing me to eliminate less effective options and further refine the most promising concepts.

Models Exploring Forms & Features

During my final round of physical modeling, I explored and refined the forms and features of each piece to resolve any remaining design details before transitioning to digital modeling.

Digital Modeling

Final Physical Models

Fusion Render

CMF

Colors:

Copolyester

Cup & Mug

Green

-Promotes calmness

-Reduces nervous system activity

-Comforting

Polypropylene

Straw

Tray

Recognizing the importance of color and materiality in environments designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, I researched colors that promote relaxation and comfort while creating a cohesive and calming aesthetic throughout the material of the set.