Designing a Commode

To look at the commode on first glance, its seems a relatively simple design, and too many extents and purposes it is. But when one bears in mind, the extreme functionality of the commode has to have: it has to be hygienic - easy to clean, the components must be strong and durable, ideally materials should be used that don't rust easily, components must be adjustable to suit the user and so on. The problem with many commodes is that many commodes are made up of several parts, with tough to remove joints, and this makes them harder to take apart for dismantling or cleaning.

However, the design council has addressed this problem with some of their latest designs of commodes:

http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/Design-Council/Files/Landing-pages/Design-Bugs-Out/Commode/

The fact that there are fewer touch points between the patient and the commode is a particular attractive feature that reduces cross infection of nasty germs and bacteria. Its good to see that there's always scope for improving existing modern designs of commodes in line with functionality and health and safety aspects as well.

Asia paving the way for more modern toilets

So last week I featured a post from a new novel design from Korean designer living in Italy: Young Sang Eun. It seems on my travels around Asia that some countries are light years ahead of clean, modern and fully functional commode toilets, whilst other countries are still relying on the hole in the ground toilets - which are undoubtedly a playground for all kinds of germs, bacterias and even diseases. When one thinks about the more modern and sophisticated designs in regards to toilets and commodes, invariably they're usually coming out of the richer Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Singapore etc. But also we shouldn't neglect the designs that are coming out of some parts of Europe, especially the Scandinavian countries which seem to always have a firm handle on the edgiest and most modern designs.

However, it's all very well having these snazzy and multi-factional commodes, but what good are they if they out of many peoples' price ranges? It is my hope that one day even the most modern of designs are affordable for everyone, and that we can help improve the sanitation and hygienic practices of even the poorest countries.