SAGE FREEWYNN: Seamless Accessibility
- Anna Gerbracht
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
(she/her)
Sage Freewynn, a senior industrial design student at the ASU Herberger Institute for Art and Design, is crafting solutions with love and empathy for accessibility. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping her grandmother, Sage is motivated to change how we think about housewares for aging adults.
Sage's focus is deeply personal. She witnessed her grandmother struggle with a hospital-issued non-spill cup, a disheartening contrast to her favorite "standard" mug. This provoked a moment of inward reflection: "Everybody ages, and as you age, there are so many things that change that aren’t talked about," Sage explains. This experience sparked an attempt to conceptualize a bridge for the gap in the houseware market, creating a product that caters to the evolving needs of aging individuals and those facing accessibility challenges.
Her motivation is beyond aesthetics; it's deeply empathetic. "I'm not currently looking at any specific designers, rather I’m looking to fill a gap that isn’t in the space," she states, drawing inspiration from vintage housewares and companies like Fire King, emphasizing timeless design that meets practical needs.
Sage’s approach is rooted in qualitative research and genuine connection with her target audience. She enjoys the process of surveying her audience and hearing their opinions about her product. Sage thrives on user feedback, finding unexpected improvements in detailed responses. "The research and interviewing are really interesting to me. I am designing for specific people so I like to gather all the information I can in order to make the product in the best way for my audience. Like a detective putting evidence together."
Introducing: The Mugsy
'Mugsy,' a name inspired by her grandmother's nickname, is a thoughtful design to be loved by aging individuals.
Imagine a mug with these features:
Engraved interior liquid measurement levels, ensuring precise pours for those monitoring intake.
A button-seal lid, providing a secure, leak-proof lock, paired with a simple removal tab.
An open handle offers a comfortable and stable grip for individuals with low dexterity.
A textured body that provides enhanced grip to prevent slips.
Double-walled plastic to protect sensitive hands from dramatic temperatures.
Sage's philosophy is simple: "I think everybody deserves good design. There are products that trick you into thinking they work well. I want to make products that are beautiful, meet their needs, and aren’t too expensive. There shouldn’t be a struggle when trying to navigate your product." She envisions a world where functionality and aesthetics coexist harmoniously, creating products that can support a changing daily life without breaking the bank.
Looking ahead, Sage’s plans are ambitious and international. Next year, she will begin a study abroad program in Taiwan, a hub of industry and production. "I'll search for an industrial design internship, as that market is huge there," she explains. Her minor in Mandarin Chinese, cultivated from a genuine interest in the language, will be instrumental in navigating the Taiwan business landscape. Moreover, Sage recognizes the potential to make a significant impact on Taiwan's aging population. "They also have a high ratio of older people compared to younger people, with few social services. I think accessible design will really help this country for that reason."
Sage is an advocate for inclusive design and a voice for a large population whose needs are often overlooked. With her blend of empathy, research-driven methodology, and a passion for creating beautiful, functional products, Sage is poised to make a lasting impact on the world, one thoughtfully designed houseware at a time.
Want to see Sage's exciting future in design? Connect with her here:
Instagram: @Sageworks_Design - Visual portfolio updates and design insights.
LinkedIn: Sage-Freewynn - Connect professionally and explore her experience.
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