New Mobility Report
Primary User -The Elderly -Handicapped -Disabled
11 million Number of disabled people 6 and older who need personal assistance with everyday activities. These activities include such tasks as getting around inside the home, taking a bath or shower, preparing meals and performing light housework.
-Confined to a device
3.3 million Number of people 15 and older who use a wheelchair. Another 10 million use a walking aid, such as a cane, crutches or walker.
Disability--defined as unable to perform activities such as walking,lifting,hearing,or reading, or only with the help of another person.
54 million Number of people who have a disability. They represent 19 percent of the civilian non institutionalized population.
An estimated 386 million of the world’s working-age people have some kind of disability
10 percent of people 18 to 64 have disabilities. 38 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities, or almost 1 out of 5 persons Fewer than 15 percent were born with their disability 6.5 million use special aids for mobility
User Segmentation Severity of Injury Temporary
Inconvenient
Long Term
Permanent
Spinal Cord Injury
Minor Accident
Cast/broken arm
Head Injuries
Sprain/strain
Sling
Stroke
Stitches
Fractures
Heart Attack
Cuts
Burns
PSTD
Amputation Paralysed
Secondary User Caregiver Family Member Nurse Physical Therapist Number of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 35.6 million % of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 16% Percent of adults 65-74 years who need help with personal care from other persons: 3.1% Percent of adults 75 years and over who need help with personal care from other persons: 10%
There are five successive levels of caregiver burden or intensity. Each level involves a higher degree of care giving responsibility ranging from the least amount of responsibility at Level 1 to the greatest amount of responsibility at Level 5. There are 44.4 million American caregivers (21% of the adult population) age 18 and older who provide unpaid care to an adult age 18 or older. These caregivers are present in an estimated 22.9 million households (21% of U.S. households) Almost seven in ten (69%) caregivers say they help one person. Nearly half (48%) of all caregivers say they provide eight hours or less of care per week and One in five (17%) say they provide more than 40 hours of care per week. The average length of care giving is 4.3 years.
User Segmentation
Physical Therapist Recommends exercise
Temporary and/or Family Family member who lives near or close Part Time RN (registered Nurse)
In home/ live in nurse Hospice Full time, 24/7 help
Physical Therapist Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as simply PTs, are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other healthrelated conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limits their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from, for example, back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, and injuries related to work and sports.
Temporary and/or Family This could entail either a family member who elects to be the primary caregiver to the personal who is either disabled or handicapped. They may have taken a basic class to be certified as a caregiver, this could entail taking a class in administering C.P.R and using a defibrillation machine. This position would entail typical household chores, cleaning and cooking, preparing their shots of medicine but any crucial health issue would have to be taken care of by a licensed medical professional
In home/ live in nurse Many of these positions are Registered nurses who are certified in C.P.R, and may have other skills or specialities such as caring for those with Parkin`son’s Disease or patients with Dementia. Their duties could also extend into taking care of their clients personal hygiene, cleaning, transportation, or monitoring their vital signs. Live in nurses or caregivers could also have a degree in psychology, depending on the circumstance.
Environment Living Situation Dependent Personal Home Use
Assisted Living Centre
Basic Use
Transportation
Limited Use
Stability
Size of home Can affect
In-home Care
In Hospital Use
Errands/daily life
Recovery
Groceries
Injury
last minute Ideas
Transportation
Work
Disabled, you are 25 times more likely to spend a piece of your life in a nursing home. In a long-term study of quadriplegics, they lived for an average of 15 years when independent. When at a nursing home--18 months on average.
Trends Wheelchair Users 1 million wheelchair users 1 out of 250 persons 10,000 people every year are spinal cord injured 82% of spinal cord injuries are male 307,000 under age 44 use wheelchairs 82 % are men, between 16-30 years of age Women have a higher overall rate of disabilities (23.2%) than men do (17.7%) Number of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 35.6 million Percent of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 16% Number of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 35.6 million Percent of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 16% Percent of adults 65-74 years who need help with personal care from other persons: 3.1% Percent of adults 75 years and over who need help with personal care from other persons: 10%
Trends
Types of Accidents
Types of disabilities The most common types of disabilities are: 1. Heart disease (affects 7.9 million individuals) 2. Back problems (7.7 million) 3. Arthritis (5.7 million) 4. Orthopedic impairments of the lower extremity (2.8 million) 5. Asthma (2.6 million) 6. Diabetes (2.6 million) 7. Mental disorders (2.0 million) 8. Eye disorders not including visual impairments (1.6 million) 9. Learning disabilities/mental retardation (1.6 million) 10. Cancer (1.3 million) Spinal Cord Injury 82 % are men, between 16-30 years of age; avg age is 30; most frequent is 19 Stats for head injury indicate a similar profile 56,000 new incidents of traumatic head injury due to accidents in 1100 new incidents of SCI each year; 5,000 deaths Motor vehicle accidents cause most; 48%; 21% due to falls; violence is 14%
Trends Those who work while Injured The average long-term disability absence lasts 32.1 months. More than one in five workers will be disabled for 5 years or more during their working careers. Over 36 million Americans are classified as disabled; about 12% of the total population. More than 50% of those disabled Americans are in their working years, from 18-64.
Workers with a disability were more likely than those with no disability to work part time. Among workers with a disability, 32 percent usually worked part time in 2009, compared with 19 percent of workers without a disability.
Trends An estimated 386 million of the world’s working-age people have some kind of disability Percentage of disabled workers 16 and older who use public transportation to commute to work. 6% In addition, 70 percent of people with a disability drive alone, 13 % carpool, 4% walk and 3 percent use a taxicab, motorcycle, bicycle or other means. 22 of disabled workers 16 and older who work in the educational services and health care and social assistance industries, the highest of any industry.
13.4 million in 1988 between 16 and 64 not working because of a disability, left a job, or were limited in the kind or amount of work they could do 1 out of 19 persons According to the Harris Survey of 1986, two thirds of all Disabled Americans between the age of 16 and 64 are not working
Citations US Census Bureau Caregiving in the U.S., National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Ada. N.p.: Disabled-world.com, 07-10. N. pag. Web. 15 Sept. 2011. national Caregivers Library. Understanding Disabilities. N.p.: National Caregivers Library, n.d. N. pag. Web. 15 Sept. 2011. University of Buffalo. Disability Statistics. N.p.: Cornocopia of Diability Information, n.d. 1-8. Print. Center for Disease control and prevention. All Injuries. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/injury.htm>. bureau of Labor Statistics. Physical Therapists. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2011. <http:// www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm>.
Interviews Name: Nell, 80 Lives in Assisted Living Weak below knees and is unable to walk without mobility device Active most of the day Sometimes her walker is too far away
Time using device: 1 Year
3 Years
6 Years
Name: Tom Age: 54 Wheelchair bound due to motorcycle accident resulting in Spinal Cord Injury Lives in custom home No feeling below lower hip Wheelchair bound for 7 years Sometimes uses a freewheel in conjunction with his wheelchair “I always have to be conscious of the front wheels, I don’t want to get pitched forward” Time using device: 1 Year
3 Years
6 Years
Name: Ray Age 87 Lives in Assisted Care living Weak below knees Uses wheelchair, walker and cane Rarely leaves room/home Immobilised for 3 years “I just like to stay in my room because I don’t like using these things” Time using device: 1 Year
3 Years
6 Years
Interviews Name: Michelle Age: 48 Lives in apartment Charkot and collapsed foot Uses C.R.O.W boot to move around Moves from apartment to other friends houses and shopping “I have to call ahead to places to make sure I know if they have stairs because I can’t navigate them well” Time using device: 1 Year
3 Years
6 Years
Name: Lois Age: 86 Lives in Assisted Care living Amputated below knees Uses wheelchair all the time Moves all around home, rarely in room Wheelchair bound for 6 years “I am always active, I’m never in one place for a long time” Time using device: 1 Year
3 Years
6 Years
Name: Cobi Agr 89 Lives in Assisted Care living Bad to no Balance Walks around home with Cane or walker Goes to church Limited movement for 1 year “I’m afraid of falling, I’ve done it before and don’t want to keep doing it” Time using device: 1 Year
3 Years
6 Years
Name: James Age: 21 Lives with another family member Accident left him with a severed spine and lost the ability to use legs Uses wheelchair everywhere Goes from Home to school to rehab and friends houses Immobilised almost a year â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to do things my wayâ&#x20AC;? Time using device: 1 Year
3 Years
6 Years
Observations
Uncomfortable angle for hands in regards to braking
The Sitting platform/storage is just one flat place which things can fall or slide off of
The Freewheel is small-ish yet still cumbersome.
When not in use the Freewheel has to be stored somewhere, when not in use here, It stays in his Vanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trunk
Extra time and energy required to install freewheel
Requires feet to be moved or slid around
The front wheels are lifted off the ground causing less discern over getting pitched forward via cracks, etc
The inability to open doors or rely on people can be infuriating and sometimes a user can get stuck do to this situation
“Once I got stuck between two doors because I couldn’t open one and maneuver, I had to wait for someone to come and help me”
The need to keep ones feet someone secure is important, Due to no feeling they could get bumped and dragged and not even know until they pitch forward or ruin their shoes
The Freewheel is a separate attachment which has to be added instead of something which is built in.
The placement of brakes appears to make it easier for some and more difficult for others
The C.R.O.W is large and cumbersome. It also offsets the users balance making them walk about an inch taller on one side, causing strain on the hips
Due to little to no place to set something down, objects are tucked into nooks or Crannies and rely on weight to hold them in place
All actions require some bracing to store or adjust
Due to little to no place to set something down, objects are tucked into nooks or Crannies and rely on weight to hold them in place
Due to little to no place to set something down, objects are tucked into nooks or Crannies and rely on weight to hold them in place
The placement of Storage is crucial. many walkers have been outfitted with a bag of sort if they do not have one built in
He has to set his phone on his lap due to no where to set it, while pushing around he has to worry about it falling and getting crushed underfoot
“I wish my feet didn’t have to be strapped, I hate when I’m rolling fast and my kicks get scratched up, If I hit a bump they pop out I have to try to slow down and fix it”
A special wheelchair had to be found due to him being 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;4, instead of having an adjustable frame
The back of his wheelchair is specific to keep his spine straight and strong, yet it also constricts his ability to reach around behind himself
Data
60 percent of those surveyed were injured in such an extant that they were unable to walk and had to use some sort of mobility device
The main grouping of people were roughly 18-24, With the 40-50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range not included in the survey
A large majority of those incapacitated were female, about 80%
The least about of time someone was incapacitated was several weeks and the longest was months
A large majority of those incapacitated were female, about 80%
A large group kept physically active in the duration of them being injured
At least 60% were worried they were going to fall
Of those who were worried about falling, 20% actually did fall from their devices
While more than half had a device that did not allow them to carry things, 20% used other means to carry things
Responses to why it was or was not awkward to use: “Served as my second leg and allowed me considerable ability to move most anywhere on level surfaces.” “More points of contact” “Three legs are better than one (crutches)”
“Easy to use most of the time. Had some drawbacks. Fell once in combination with a turn and probably the weight of the foot cast affecting stability.” “Not comfortable” “Hard to continue my personal life without having a bunch of help. I was driving a stick shift a the time, so I had to be driven from place to place by friends or family.”
Concerning those who needed to customise their device, 60% took the initiative to customise them to their needs: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I rigged it such as slipping a bag with handles over the handle bars.â&#x20AC;?
Open Ended Questions
Do you with you could have been more physically active than you were able to?
-Yes! I missed a class field trip and had an awful vacation.
-Not really. I maximized my ability with the help of the scooter and couldn't really do more.
-Yep
-Definitely. Crutches can be limiting
-Yes, I was injured at the start of track season, so I lost a lot of muscle by the time I was able to recover to run again.
How did you feel when you had limited mobility?
-Excluded from activities and social circles I had previously been part of. Hindered.
-Submissive to the situation but determined to persevere
-Frustrated and slow
-Limited!
-Frustrated and a burden on others.
What was your biggest Challenge?
-Dirt roads/paths (with crutches) Re-building leg muscles after not having used for so long Pain from crutches under arms Not being able to carry anything
-Steps, getting the scooter in and out of the car, and carrying items.
-Moving on wet/icy conditions
-Carrying objects like books while using crutches
-Getting around school and regaining my muscle in my leg.
What would have made it easier to get around and/or move around?
-Ability to carry items easily Less pain from chafing
-An easier ret ractable device and storage components
-Something more natural to human movement
-I suppose a mechanism that allowed me to still feel more mobile than a wheel chair while freeing up my hands to create easier movement
-Personal assistant. Comfortable crutches that were less clunky and could fold up once I got to class.
Key Observations Some devices are awkward and they return them right away: - They might not be easier to use - Not worth the price for what it offered -Very aesthetically unappealing
It took sometime to acclimate: - Navigating any device takes time to get used to - Understanding how to adapt their balance -Realising limits according to their device
The biggest fear was falling: - Unfamiliarity caused users to fall - Misjudging distance also was an issue -Users stated they tried to learn from mistakes to not fall -Users said falling made them feel embarrassed
Everyone interviewed made a comment about having storage or carrying various objects: -Everyone had things to bring with them and needed a place to carry them -Sufficient room was lacking in most devices -Devices with storage had limited and was not very removable
Devices with wheels require the user to always be conscious of where their wheels are and what they are doing: - A user can get pitched forward on a small stone -If the small wheels get airborne, balance is thrown off -The size enables more problems to arise
Heading up or down hills and inclines are difficult, regardless of the device: - Inclines usually require some sort of device to help - The device may require help moving -The user could not by physically able to traverse hills or inclines
Turning Radius requires users to sometimes turn around backwards to get somewhere or up something: - A user can get stuck in between doors - The entire device may be too large to accomplish a turn -The turn could be misjudged and balance thrown off, causing the user to fall to the ground
All users wanted to be as independent and do everything themselves: - They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be considered dependent - People may look like they are excluded -No one wants to be thought as disabled or handicapped
They learned what their limits were: -Users were scared to do a wheelie, but learned itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy -They realised what radius they could reach around was -Users learned ways to reach down and move around in a natural way
Reaching things in general was a concern to some: -Users were scared to do a wheelie, but learned itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy -They realised what radius they could reach around was -Users learned ways to reach down and move around in a natural way
10 Major Problems Users Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold on to things while using their device: - Requires 2 hands - Balance will be compromised -Users stated they tried to learn from mistakes to not fall
Storing Things make it hard to Maneuver: - Extra weight means more effort to maneuver - The storage may be bulky and impede movement -The weight may throw off balance
Uneven ground can make traversing difficult: -Requires Physical strength at points - Shift of balance could be difficult for user - May need to rely on larger wheels than given wheels
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard for a user to protect themselves from the weather: - Both hands are required to navigate - There is no appropriate place to add a cover -One cannot simply navigate and move with the weather "But the problems make it very uncomfortable and dangerous. There's also problems with drain covers which dip about an inch below the road surface. You have to go round them very carefully.
Stairs are Difficult to climb with any sort of device: - Not all stairwells are close to ramps - Railings may not be present -They may be too steep or long to traverse alone
Not all devices are made for varying body types: - Both hands are usually taken -Some bodies are just too tall or wide to be used correctly -Most larger devices have to be special ordered or altered to fit
Devices have limited to no way to adjust: -One frame to be stronger - More tooling required - Hard to figure out what needs to be adjusted
The world does not accommodate to the disabled and Handicapped: -Functions of nature restrict movement - Nature can change without warning and does not allow devices to accommodate - It is expensive to keep covering up nature in order for devices to move around
Inclines are difficult for anyone restricted to devices -May require full body strength - Shift of balance could be difficult for user - If wheeled, may take two hands
A device can be detrimental to the Users self Image: - Can cause depression due to poor self image - Feeling of completely helpless and cut off - lack of motivation to resume/continue daily life
The comfort of the device can make it worse for the user: -May require full body strength to try to get comfortable - Pressure Sores could develop - Could affect health
Positioning can make comfort difficult for the user: -May affect posture - Can cause the user to move unnaturally - Could affect health
Benchmarket Products Walkers
Price: $131
Price: $58 Lack of wheels or storage but affordable & Adjustable
Basket closer to front bottom allows for more standing room
Tri-wheels allow for better turning radius
Price: $99
Wheelchairs
Price: $294
Mix of Manual and electric wheelchair
Price: $135
Sport Wheelchair, but niche market
Electric Scooters
Storage does not impede handling, but limited on very large body
Price: $6,271
Wheel sizes allow for traversing on different levels
The Ability to climb stairs, but Expensive
Canes & Crutches All follow the same basic shape/form All relatively cheap Adjustable up to a point No storage at all At least one hand required, thus reducing storage and maneuverability
U-Step Walker U shape allows for more movement and stability
Shape gives the user the ability to stand up straight
Shape gives the user the ability to stand up straight
The ability to fold for storage
Basket closer to front and padded
Height Adjustable up to 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;
Multiple wheels give more radius and smoother ride
Price: 575$
Tension can be controlled to regulate speed
Sport Wheelchair Bent out wheels gives wider frame and gives more stability
Strong Rigid frame does not allow bending
Plenty of room for feet to rest and not pop out
Space for possible storage
May not fit through doorways
iBOT
Brings user to eye level or 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; tall Ability to climb curbs and navigate in sand Gave sense of Independence back Rotating wheels navigated uneven turf
No longer produced due to price 26,000$ Somewhat Bulky and cumbersome
Ultra by Mobi
2 types, Standard and tricked out
Priced from $59.99-89.99 Ergonomic and adjustable Grips
Strong Rigid frame does not allow bending Breathable mesh
Product Strategy Mission Statement: Create a mobility aid for the elderly 3 challenges -Different types of injures and making it conform to them -Adapting to the environment - No one really wants to use one, but they are necessary when the moment arises
Target Market Profile Who will use it? Primary User -Those who are temporary to permanently injured in their lower extremities 2 extremes, the elderly and the injured athletes
Target Market Profile Demographic: - 18+. Ranging from mid to early High School/Middle school to the elderly and all of the ages in between. Behaviors: -Users would be those who maintain a fairly active lifestyle and have to work around the constraints of being unable to use their full appendages, they may have to commute from place to place and have work obligations or school obligations they need to attend to regardless of their physical condition. Attitude Characteristics : Many of the users are of medium to diminished strength, perhaps a slower reaction time. They get frustrated with counter-intuitive products. They may live at home or in a home where they have a certain degree of independence
Market Position and opportunities This product is marketed to everyone. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something most people have had to deal with at least once in their life and draws inspiration from the elderly.
Position Statement A walking aid that adjusts to the environment and adjusts to the needs of everyday life.
Positioning Maps: Functionality
Multi-functional
$
$$
Fixed function
The user may have to add on special pieces to make their device more adaptable to the environment which gives them one more task to do to have an everyday life
Special devices that have to be worn are tedious to put on and are adjusted to fit the person but not for comfort.
While using their device, the user has no place to store what they may find valuable and have to fine necessary ways to remedy that.
The device will typically require both hands and may not be very easy to use or the user finds them hard to use and will just not use them instead
Crutches fold to create a smaller footprint reducing time to pack up and easier to move around in small spaces
Shape will allow easier navigation on all sorts of terrain and interchangable allows it to conform to the world
Removable bags give storage that can be quickly altered to allow for a little or a lot
Built in LED light gives a constant source of light and can does not require two hands to use
Criteria Must Haves: -Either removable and accessible storage -Adjustable without compromising structure -Accommodates to uneven ground and some inclines w/o adjusting -Allow User to be more physically active by allowing people to have a wider range of motion - Ability to hold on to things while using one handed -Allow some sort of protection from the weather by allotting a clip accessories -Fold up to minimise storage footprint and acts as a footrest -Changes form as heath/recovery improves to give better sense of pride -Built in light can help navigation -A gyroscope alleviates fear of falling