POMO

What it does

POMO is based on the sensitivity of autistic people to light and sound. Most timers emit either stressful alarm or light flashes. The idea is therefore to offer a kitchen timer whose upper part inflates to indicate the end of a cooking time.

Your inspiration

I grew up with an autistic older sister, who gave me a different vision of the connections between humans, objects and the environment. The richness of this disability, as well as its concealment by society, led me to choose it as the subject for my Master's thesis in product design. Over the course of several training courses, interviews with professionals and workshops with autistic people, I came to understand the importance of focusing on young autistic people seeking independence through their adaptation in the kitchen. This collaborative project with autistic people therefore also raises the importance of human dignity.

How it works

POMO is a white bioplastic half-sphere made from recycled rapeseed and sunflower oil. The upper half-sphere is made of red silicone and folds into the white lower part. The user selects the desired time by sliding a round graduated cursor along the white half-sphere. By sliding the cursor, the user winds up the timer, which, once it has reached the end of the desired time, deploys the red half-sphere-shaped membrane to communicate the end of the period. The mechanism involved is a simple timer mechanism. The difference is that, instead of releasing a small arm that strikes a bell repeatedly (and produces the shrill sound to be avoided), the mechanism simply releases the red membrane which, by means of a spring, rises vertically to form a perfect sphere. To use again, the user simply presses the top of the membrane downwards until he hears a click indicating that the mechanism is ready again.

Design process

The project began with a two- to three-month analysis phase. After having several conferences and interviews with professionals and autistic associations in order to identify the daily problems that autistic people face, I realised that cooking was a real difficulty by bringing many unpleasant and stressful sensations (noise, heat, smell, texture, etc.). At the same time, I studied the history of autism and its treatment in society and product design. Then the experimentation phase lasted three months. This consisted of taking stock of the materials, colours, sensations and mechanisms to be found in a traditional kitchen. This inventory was then presented at a workshop I organised with an association of young autistic adults. Their feedback were used for the 6 months development phase. It resulted in a range of six inclusive objects that can be found on my website. Each object has been functionally prototyped on a scale of 1 so that it can be used in tests by autistic people. After receiving feedback from product designers during my final thesis oral, I realized that the inclusive timer was the most successful item in the range to be presented at the Dyson Award. Further exchanges enabled me to remake a prototype (3d printing and silicone molding) which I present today.

How it is different

Many objects for autistic people are only aimed at children, whereas autism does not disappear during adolescence. This project therefore seeks first to offer an object for autistic adults, who face many difficulties in their daily lives. Secondly, many so-called "inclusive" objects are in reality soulless electronic gadgets, quite expensive and not very durable. POMO is entirely mechanical in order to be as durable as possible, and features textures and colors that arouse the user's interest. Finally, many inclusive object projects are carried out without including the main stakeholders in the creative process. POMO's materials, textures and uses have been designed according to feedback from autistic people and professionals, in order to achieve the most relevant result possible. Autistic people find it hard to conceptualize the time needed to make a recipe. This discourages them in their quest for independence, and can lead to snacking and junk food.

Future plans

My first objective is to make my project known to as many people as possible by taking part in major competitions such as the Dyson Award. This possible publicity would enable me to get in touch with industrialists and other designers, so that many months of work could come to fruition. My next objective is to enter into discussions with manufacturers of inclusive object ranges for autistic people, in order to perfect the feasibility of POMO. Marketing POMO would be of interest to both individuals and autistic associations, as well as inclusive habitats where autistic people are assisted on a daily basis by caregivers.

Awards

The inclusive timer won second place in the Care Design 2024 competition organized by the Ecole de Design La Fontaine. The timer has since been improved for submission to the Dyson Award.