Sebastian Conran speaks to Creative Review about working with Eyra to create a range of kitchen utensils with ergonomic handles.

“When we designed the Eyra kitchen utensils, I was thinking about what it would feel like if my wrist was not as flexible as it is. But we’ve ended up with products which are actually much nicer to use for everyone - and they work and look better too”

Eyra spent almost two years trawling trade fairs and exhibitions on the hunt for suitable products, but most of the designs they came across were either unsuitable or still at prototype stage. So they decided to create and manufacture their own products instead. They invited Sebastian Conran to collaborate with them in 2018 and the designer and his studio spent the next few months designing a range of prototypes, including a mug, a foldable toilet frame, a chopping board and a set of utensils.

While the products were created with older consumers in mind, Conran says they are designed to appeal to anyone, regardless of age.

Available in a range of colours, they don’t look much different to the kind of kitchen products on offer at Joseph Joseph or IKEA. Which makes a refreshing change. While there has been some progress when it comes to designing for older people (something we covered in our Age Issue back in 2017), a lot of the products that cater specifically to older consumers are often outdated or downright ugly.

As Conran explains, it is possible to create items that are useful and visually appealing - yet all too often, producs for older people are designed from a purely functional point of view, without much regard for people’s emotions.

“There’s still this mentality, I think - that it just has to do a job, and it doesn’t matter how depressing it is to have in your home. But if you design products that anyone would use, that will appeal to everyone, they’ll be less stigmatising as a result.”

As Conran (who is in his 60s) explains, older people want beautiful products just as much as younger generations - and today’s older consumers have enjoyed much more choice than their parents and grandparents, giving them higher expectations when it comes to product design.