STRIDE
Adaptive mobility for the elderly or disabled.
KRISTEN JUSSILA
DESIGN STATEMENT Creating a product that encourages active mobility and prevents limited mobility in the future; while creating a feeling of ease, independence, and well being.
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS Ease of mobility Encouragement of mobility Customizable Feeling of Independence
END USER ELDERLY: Old or aging. DISABLED: Having a physical or mental condition that limits movement, senses or activities.
INTERVIEW FINDINGS FORM
FUNCTION
INDEPENDENCE
“Having control.” “Independence, I can do what I need to do.” “[You can do] for yourself. If you can do it, do it!”
“I need something that folds up.”
“My walker is not usable, comfortable, or reliable.”
“I like using a cane, the walker gets in the way.”
“I had to use it.”
“The transference of getting in and out of a chair is a problem.” “I do with my cane. I can carry it with me, it’s easy and reliable.”
“Walkers need to be able to allow a person to sit, stand still, and get up.”
OBSERVATIONS
FINDINGS Rolling walkers were the most used, but also the most inconvenient and didn’t provide varying accommodation. Many of the residents used a walker to get around, but would then set it aside in order to function with more ease sitting down. Many residents had varying needs of support that changed over a period of time.
RELATED PRODUCTS
IDEATION
PROOF OF CONCEPT
USABILITY TESTING
PROBLEM AREAS Handle needs to be pushed closer together to support more weight. Currently not collapsible or convenient to travel with.
Needs a wider stance (28�)
The back wheels need to be fixed and the front wheel free moving.
RE-DESIGN IN PROCESS...