Device makes Kindles easier to use for people with poor dexterity

Many people, particularly those with poor dexterity, are much happier to use Kindles to read from as they don’t have to hold open a book, but many find the buttons awkward. Older people also enjoy the larger print available in Kindles but again find the ‘fiddly’ buttons a challenge.

A new device is being developed by Monmouth-based design company, E2L. The Kindle e-reader page turner allows push-button Kindles to be enjoyed by everyone, by adding large ‘paddles’ to either side of the eBook and a much larger on/off switch.

A consultant anaesthetist from Morriston Hospital, Swansea, had the original idea. In his particular department, the Welsh Burns Unit, there were many people who couldn’t move their fingers without discomfort, so the idea of the Kindle Page Turner was hatched.

“A patient is using (a prototype) right now on one of our wards; an old lady with dressings on her hands. She cried when the occupational therapist gave it to her… everyone wanted on,” he says.

Fold out ‘paddles’ serve two purposes: to enable easy pressing to get page forward and page back, as well as powering on and off, and to provide secure ‘handholds’ either side of the Kindle so it doesn’t need to be gripped tightly. The paddles can be folded over when not in use making the unit compact and flat.

E2L specialises in working with people who are involved in healthcare, who see needs of others on a daily basis, have great ideas to solve these problems, but no experience of how to take the project through to a final product. The project is being financed using Kickstarter which relies on forward purchases by the community.

For more information visit www.E2L.uk.com.