Making a Hob Safe and Accessible for a Visually Impaired Client

A client with a visual impairment contacted REMAP as she wanted to use her four-burner induction hob, a model with a smooth glass surface and touch-sensitive buttons. While elegant, the flat surface and touch controls made it nearly impossible for her to use it independently.

She was paired with engineer Ian, whose first step was to understand her specific needs and the layout of her hob. On Ian’s initial visit, he carefully traced the positions of the burners and control buttons, making sure every detail was captured. To create a model, he took precise measurements, even noting the dimensions of the pans she planned to use.

Using these details, Ian designed a cover made from durable 3mm fibreglass PCB material and added a 3D-printed button guide. This cover was designed to be slightly larger than the hob, with a small frame to secure it firmly in place using stainless steel screws. Eight additional pieces of material along the edges ensured the cover aligned perfectly with the hob’s 5mm thickness.

The final design featured raised edges and bevelled guides around each button, allowing the client’s fingers to effortlessly find the touch points. The button functions were indicated with raised areas for quick identification. Each component was thoughtfully shaped to eliminate sharp edges, making the cover both safe and functional.

When the project was complete, the client shared her appreciation: ” Thank you very much to Ian who made the fibreglass frame for my induction hob. This is an amazing idea that he has come up with and is so simple. I am now enjoying cooking regularly on my hob. Thank you so much.”

Could an adaptation a make a difference for you or someone you know? Get in touch.