After meeting with therapists at Elevate Rehabilitation and observing residents at Monnett Manor, we learned that many of the grand friends struggle to hold standard coffee cups due to arthritis and limited hand strength. The small handles make it difficult to maintain a secure grip, often leading to spills of hot coffee. These spills are not only messy, but they can also create safety concerns and take away from an activity many residents truly enjoy.
Our goal was to reduce spills and make drinking coffee safer and more comfortable. We designed a two-handled 3D printed cup holder with larger handles and a secure base that locks the cup in place. This solution gives residents better control, increased stability, and greater independence while enjoying something they love.
We chose 3D printing for our solution because it allowed us to design and customize a product specifically for the needs of the residents. With 3D modeling, we were able to adjust the handle size, shape, and stability features to create a more comfortable and supportive design. It also allowed us to prototype, test, and improve our design efficiently. Additionally, 3D printing creates a durable, reusable product that can withstand daily use and repeated washing, making it a long-lasting solution for the residents.
The impact of this project on our community is increased independence and dignity for the residents. By providing a more stable and easy-to-hold cup base, residents are able to drink independently with greater confidence and less risk of spills. This may seem like a small improvement, but being able to complete everyday tasks on their own can greatly improve their sense of self-worth and quality of life. Our goal is to help them feel capable and empowered, rather than limited by physical challenges.
Critical thinking played a major role in this project as we worked to design a solution that balanced stability, accessibility, and usability. We had to consider the physical limitations of individuals with arthritis, including grip strength, hand positioning, and control. At the same time, our design needed to securely hold the existing coffee cups used at the facility.
After brainstorming multiple ideas, we developed a cup holder with a secure opening mechanism and a latch system that locks the cup in place. This required us to think through how the cup would be inserted, how it would stay stable during use, and how residents could still use it comfortably and safely. We tested and adjusted our design to ensure it was both functional and practical for daily use.
What made this a real project was actually going to Monnett Manor and seeing the problem for ourselves. When we visited, we noticed that some of the residents were still struggling with simple, everyday things like drinking their coffee. Instead of just guessing what might help, we talked to the residents and staff and asked what they needed.
They shared that holding the cups and dealing with spills was a real issue for them. Hearing that directly from them made us realize this wasn’t just a class assignment — it was something that could actually make a difference. Knowing that real people would be using what we designed made us take the project more seriously and work harder to create something that would truly help.
Teamwork played a big role in this project from the very beginning. At first, our group thought we should design a cup holder that would attach directly to a wheelchair to help the grand friends feel more independent. We worked together to sketch ideas and talk through what that design would look like.
However, when we presented our idea to Monnett Manor, they told us that wasn’t what they needed. Instead, they explained that a two-handled cup holder that could securely hold their existing cups would be more helpful. That feedback changed our direction completely.
As a team, we had to adjust our thinking, redesign our plan, and work together to create something that truly met their needs. We collaborated on the design, discussed how the cup would slide into place, and figured out how to make the handles steady and supportive. This project taught us that real teamwork means listening, being flexible, and putting the client’s needs first.
The product has now been completed and delivered to the client. After making sure the material was durable, heat-safe, and strong enough for daily use, we felt confident providing it to the residents. Since delivering the cup base, the clients have been using it and are enjoying it.
Seeing them successfully hold their cups with more stability and fewer spills showed us that our design is making a real difference. It was rewarding to watch something we created actually improve their daily routine and give them more confidence while drinking independently.