Joyn – Inclusive Tableware
2026
JOYN is an inclusive tableware collection consisting of cups, plates and cutlery designed for older adults affected by neurodegenerative diseases, muscle loss and other conditions that impact motor control, coordination and hand tremors.
Eating meals is not just about satisfying hunger. It’s an essential part of wellbeing, social life and enjoying time together at the table.
Problem
Shame and discomfort associated with eating often lead older adults to withdraw from social life. Many avoid shared meals and social gatherings around the table to escape perceived judgment from others. One example is the study “You’ve Got to Be Old to Go There”, which highlights how shame and embarrassment resulting from health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease constitute significant psychosocial barriers to shared dining experiences.
As people age, various health conditions can make eating independently more difficult. Parkinson’s disease is particularly representative, as it encompasses many of the challenges associated with self-feeding. Similar symptoms can also be found in other neurological conditions and disabilities.
Target users
The tableware is designed for older adults and individuals who experience difficulties with eating independently due to reduced motor control, impaired grip strength, tremors, limited dexterity, visual impairments, or cognitive decline.
The target users include people living with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular dystrophy, spinocerebellar ataxias, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as blind and visually impaired individuals.
Limitations of existing tableware
Although specialized plastic tableware designed to support older adults is widely available, our research revealed that such products are rarely accepted or used by the people they are intended to help.
Most of these products come from China, are low quality, and don’t meet users’ aesthetics expectations. Their materials are often uncertified and may contain harmful substances.
Research based
The project was informed by scientific research, in-depth interviews, co-design workshops and three rounds of iterative user testing with older adults.
Insights gathered during each stage directly informed the redesign of the prototypes, resulting in a solution that was continuously refined in collaboration with its users.
Designed with
diverse users
The study involved participants living with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as people with visual impairments and carpal tunnel syndrome.
It also included individuals with reduced mobility, coordination, or motor control caused by various conditions, as well as people with metal implants in their hands or arms.
Soup bowl
€75
Designed to provide a secure grip and make handling food easier during meals. Bowl shape supports scooping and serving while reducing the risk of spills.
Thanks to a geometry that directs liquids toward the center of the plate rather than its edges. Additionally, strategically placed grips on both sides help stabilize movement and improve control.
Dinner plate
€65
The dinner plate also features raised edges. Its extended rims, similar to those of the soup bowl, make it easier to carry the meal and help keep the plate stable on the table while eating.
Dessert plate
€60
The dessert plate has asymmetrical raised edges—higher on one side and lower on the other. This allows for easier scooping while ensuring the dessert remains clearly visible and beautifully presented.
Mug
€55
The mug is highly stable when placed on a table. Its large handle allows the user to fit their entire hand through it, providing a secure and comfortable grip.
The mug also has an increased capacity, making it suitable for serving tea, coffee, or other beverages while still leaving enough space at the top. This reduces the risk of spills when carrying the drink.
Glass
€45
The glass also features a protruding rim around its body, making it easier to hold securely and reducing the risk of slipping from the user’s hands.
In addition, people with visual impairments often prefer porcelain drinkware because it is easier to see and distinguish from its surroundings.
Cutlery
€1000
The cutlery was designed to provide a secure grip and improve control during use. It is strategically weighted to help stabilize hand movements, making it particularly beneficial for people experiencing hand tremors.
The additional weight also supports individuals with visual impairments or blindness, as it makes the utensils easier to perceive and track while in use.
