A collaboration of Kim Do - Christina Dang - Dane Carlson AND
Roles
User needs analysis Interaction Design
3D modelling
Video Editing
Softwares
Photoshop Illustrator After Effects
Rhino 3D
WanderFree is a mobility support railing system designed for elderly with mobility issues.
WanderFree offers an alternative solution for its vulnerable users by minimizing neglects of use while addressing the risk elevated by urgency, short distance, and memory loss that is not met by standard walkers.
Problem Overview
How might we help to remind patients to use their cane/ walkers and solve functional challenge?
Practice of mobility aids, such as walkers and canes, aren’t embraced by elderly due to several reasons:
Fear of losing pride and/or independence
Denial of illness and/or disability
Inconveniencing routine
Forgetfulness
Problem Scenarios
Resting Areas
Home
Bedroom
Night Time
Nocturia
Familiarity
Support Systems
Support systems determine whether the individual is encourage to use it or is aided enough.
Familiarity and routine may cause the individual feels a strain in their regular activity that they enjoy or feel they will lose their enjoyment of their regular activity with an added element.
Resting areas and the obstacles between travel determine whether the environment itself creates hazardous travel or lends itself to be the mobility aid.
People generally do not use walkers at home despite their supporting benefit outside of the home because:
The close proximities of resting areas make it seems unnecessary
Their bulky size, weight, and limited range of movement between travel in closed spaces.
When is help really needed?
We have identified a moment of opportunity that has been addressed by experts but neglected by the market. By the age of 60-70 years, 11-50% of people experience nocturia - the need to wake and pass urine at night. This reoccurring span of time has a high risk of falls due to:
Short distance creating perceived unnecessity
Hazards of low visibility and lack of monitoring in the night
Influence of sleep disturbance coupled with urgency on decision making and forgetfulness
To create a design solution that reduces the risk of falling for those in need of mobility aid and suffering from nocturia in a bedroom setting - with an aim, but not restricted to, early stage dementia patients.
Problem Framework
Increased visibility
Needs
Strengthened mobility
Improved independence
Safety
Comfort
Wants
Familiarity
Convenience
Enriched pride
Access to support systems
WanderFree- A railing system designed for mobility support
Access to desktop view mode will provide you full technical details of this product
The system is built with 2 axis; thus, providing users a wide range of movement
Fall safe and brake system with rubber stopper and velcro trap
Adjustable handrest
Illuminating handle
Handle Design Intentions
Intuitive use with minimal interaction
Adjustable height
Comfortable and customizable
Minimalistic aesthetic
To be ceiling mount in user's bedroom
It is capable of bearing weight standing and falling.
It can be moved by minimal force
Disclaimer: This project was designed purely for academic purposes and therefore, may not reflect the plans of Bay Crest.