Sonny Small

Removing barriers posed to users when turning keys in locks.

This project began off the back of my dissertation which explored user-centred design and the barriers that
are posed when people are not considered in the design process. Focussing on barriers concerning dexterity and mobility in hands, my project responded to observations and conversations from family members regarding opening, turning and gripping products.

From extensive testing and exploration, I decided to focus on the barriers that are presented when the user turns a key in a lock. Turning had been a big part of the exploration and so this seemed appropriate to provide a meaningful solution to. I decided to design a new key blank (Eazy Key) and a device to help turn a key (Eazy Lock).

Eazy Key is a seamless intervention into key blanks and has a very inclusive nature to it. Eazy Lock is a
level up from this where the device is installed onto a lock requiring less strength and dexterity from the user in order to turn the key. Both products are to be sold as standard parts in a key cutters making them widely available to everyone, their job is to remove barriers surrounding turning keys in locks and meeting a broader audiences needs.