REVIEWING THE WHEELCHAIR
ANNIE JIN
PROBLEM SCOPE:
- Tired & dirty hands after long durations of pushing
- Wheels/handles getting caught on clothing/surfaces
- Unsafe/may be unreliable on crosswalks
- Inaccessible public spaces: narrow doorways, stairs everywhere, etc.
- No convenient/safe storage for personal belongings
- Wheelchair users require assistance transporting the wheelchair
How might we... design wheelchairs that provide enhanced mobility, comfort, and accessibility, while addressing the unique needs and preferences of individual users?
USER RESEARCH INSIGHTS:
Research Methods:
1) User Interviews
2) Ethnographic Study
Research Goals/Questions:
1) Comfort: How comfortable is the wheelchair experience?
2) Purpose: Why does a patient use a wheelchair?
3) Maintenance: How much upkeep does a wheelchair require?
Key Questions:
1) How often do you use a wheelchair?
2) Why do you use a wheelchair?
3) How easy is it for you to travel with a wheelchair?
4) What assistance do you require to operate a wheelchair?
5) What bothers you about wheelchairs?
6) What challenges do you face with your wheelchair?
7) What parts break easily and where/ how do you service your wheelchair?
Quotes:
1) “I always fear getting stuck inside a doorway or elevator and not being able to get out on my own”
“Patients always have bags, medicine, jackets, etc but there’s no convenient place to put them. I have my pusher carry them or put them on my lap or footrests which is not comfortable”
2) Ethnographic Study:
Annie Jin (Sophomore): First-hand experience using wheelchair (broken foot)
General Observations:
- Tired hands/wrists after long durations of pushing
- Dirty hands
- Objects and clothing getting caught in the wheels
- Unsafe on crosswalks/ crossing streets & intersections
- Spaces are generally inaccessible (narrow hallways, doorways, stairs)
- Not tall enough to use restroom mirrors/talk over tall desks and tables
- Too wide/wheelchair took up too much space in hallways
- Was unaware of how to adjust the legs initially
Thoughts/Feelings:
- Became unmotivated to navigate public spaces
Realized most public spaces aren’t designed to accommodate the disabled
- General discomfort and embarrassment– felt as if I was being watched all the time, or as if I were taking up too much space
- Grew easily irritated/impatient as traveling places and completing tasks became seemingly impossible without the help of someone else
RESEARCH SYNTHESIS:
User Personas (3)
Journey Map (1)
IDEATION:
During initial brainstorming, I had several ideas regarding what aspects of the wheelchair could use improvement––a different wheel-pushing system, braking system, etc... I realized that changing the entire wheelchair design would be virtually impossible, so I decided to focus on the experience of a second user (the person pushing, or transporting, the wheelchair––rather than the wheelchair user themself). This allowed me to take note of external factors and pain point experiences I wasn't initially aware of.
Key Insights:
- Most wheelchair users have bags, medication, jackets, etc. but no convenient place to store those items
- It is difficult to know ahead of time which buildings, doorways, etc. are wheelchair accessible
- Users require assistance for transportation
- Manual wheelchairs cause strain
- Only pusher has control over brakes, which raises safety concerns
- Difficult to navigate unforeseen obstacles (e.g. cracks in sidewalk or rough terrain)
- Public transportation is inconvenient to navigate
- No specific place to service/ repair wheelchairs
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE:
MID-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE:
For the Mid-Fi prototype, I decided to focus specifically on the handles used by the person pushing the wheelchair. I wanted to make the height adjustable, with strong support, and a more comfortable grip for the hands.
USER TESTING & INSIGHTS:
For the final prototype, I added a pair of horizontal handles for more versatility and overall comfort. The original Mid-Fi prototype with the handles placed right above the seat might become uncomfortable after a while and even difficult to push. I kept the ability to adjust the height of the handles for a personalized experience for the wheelchair pusher.
FINAL HI-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE:
