Mobility solution for the Elderly (Graduation Project)

“This was executed as part of my Graduation Project, under the guidance of Elephant Design Pvt. Ltd., a renowned consultancy in the field of design and innovation.”

Duration:

8 Months

Mentor:

Ashish Deshpande

Team member:

Tejas Pawar

Brief:

“In the current scenario, semi-dependent elderly between the age group of 75-85 due to illness, ageing, or degradation of motor neuron functions, their day-to-day mobility becomes a major concern, making them dependent on the mobility device. The current design of these devices (walkers, wheelchairs, etc)provides limited function, and freedom and lowers social respect, so there is a need to redesign these devices.”

This project is conducted under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), and while I am sharing insights about the process, specific details and proprietary information are not disclosed.*

Context

This graduation project focuses on developing a mobility solution tailored to the unique challenges faced by semi-dependent elderly individuals. This demographic often struggles with mobility due to aging, illness, or motor neuron degradation, which limits their independence and affects their sense of pride.

The project involved extensive research to understand the factors affecting mobility, examining physiological, psychological, societal, and environmental influences. Through interviews and observations of daily routines, the project gained insights into the needs, struggles, and aspirations of semi-elderly individuals. A key finding was that a successful mobility device must address physical functionality while enhancing independence, self-worth, and dignity, countering the stigmas associated with mobility aids.

Adopting a user-centric design approach, the project redefined mobility aids as personalized, intuitive gadgets rather than mere tools. Guided by the principle of simplicity, the solution featured user-friendly, universally designed elements to cater to diverse needs while maintaining sophistication.

By emphasizing independence, self-love, and inclusivity, the project aimed to empower users to maintain a high quality of life. Balancing functional efficiency with emotional resonance, the final design demonstrates how thoughtful innovation can reshape perceptions, reduce inequalities, and create impactful solutions for societal challenges.

Research Phase

The project began with a comprehensive exploration of the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals aged 75-85. Many in this demographic experience mobility issues due to various factors, including chronic illnesses, natural aging processes, and motor neuron function degradation. These challenges often lead to a diminished sense of independence and self-worth. To gain insights into these issues, I conducted extensive desk research that included:

Mind Mapping: This visual tool helped identify key determinants affecting mobility, such as physical health, psychological factors, environmental barriers, and societal attitudes.
Field Research: Engaging directly with elderly individuals through interviews and observations provided valuable perspectives on their daily struggles and experiences with existing mobility devices.

Research Phase: Uncovering Mobility Challenges for the ElderlyThe research phase was a critical component that shaped the design and functionality of the final product. It involved a combination of primary and secondary research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mobility challenges faced by semi-dependent elderly individuals.

Primary Research Methods

In-depth Interviews: Conducting one-on-one interviews with elderly individuals allowed me to gather qualitative data about their personal experiences and challenges related to mobility. These interviews focused on their daily routines, interactions with existing mobility devices, and emotional responses to their mobility limitations.
Observational Studies: I observed elderly individuals in their natural environments to understand their interactions with mobility aids and the physical spaces they navigate. This method provided insights into real-world challenges, such as navigating stairs, uneven surfaces, and crowded areas.
Shadowing: By shadowing participants throughout their day, I gained a deeper understanding of their mobility-related struggles and the contexts in which they use mobility devices. This method highlighted specific pain points that needed to be addressed in the design process.
Benchmarking: I analyzed existing mobility devices to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This comparative analysis helped inform design decisions by highlighting features that were well-received by users and those that fell short.
"A Day in the Life" Documentation: Participants documented their daily activities, focusing on moments where mobility was a challenge. This narrative approach provided rich qualitative data that informed my understanding of their needs and desires.

Secondary Research Methods

Desk Research: A thorough literature review was conducted to gather existing knowledge on mobility issues among the elderly. This included academic articles, reports from healthcare organizations, and studies on aging and mobility.
Mind Mapping: I utilized mind mapping as a tool to visually organize information related to mobility determinants, such as physical health, psychological factors, environmental barriers, and societal attitudes. This helped in identifying key themes and relationships among different factors affecting mobility.
Analysis of Age-Related Diseases: I researched common diseases and chronic conditions affecting the elderly, such as arthritis and cognitive decline, which contribute to mobility limitations. Understanding these conditions was crucial for designing a device that accommodates specific physical needs.
Risk Factor Assessment: I examined various risk factors associated with mobility limitations, including sedentary lifestyles and environmental hazards (e.g., poor lighting or lack of ramps). This assessment informed design considerations for safety features.

Through this multifaceted research approach, I gathered a wealth of information that not only highlighted the physical challenges faced by elderly individuals but also illuminated their emotional needs for dignity and independence. This comprehensive understanding ultimately guided the design process towards creating a mobility solution that resonates with users both functionally and emotionally.

Key Insights

Through my research, I uncovered several critical insights:

User-Centric Design: It became clear that mobility devices must not only address physical limitations but also cater to emotional needs. A device that enhances independence while instilling pride can significantly improve user acceptance.
Aesthetic Appeal: Many existing mobility aids lack aesthetic consideration, leading to stigma. A well-designed device should be visually appealing and reflect the user's identity.
Holistic Approach: The solution must encompass practical functionality alongside emotional support, promoting a sense of dignity and self-love among users.

Key Insights

Through my research, I uncovered several critical insights:

User-Centric Design: It became clear that mobility devices must not only address physical limitations but also cater to emotional needs. A device that enhances independence while instilling pride can significantly improve user acceptance.
Aesthetic Appeal: Many existing mobility aids lack aesthetic consideration, leading to stigma. A well-designed device should be visually appealing and reflect the user's identity.
Holistic Approach: The solution must encompass practical functionality alongside emotional support, promoting a sense of dignity and self-love among users.

Design Development

The design process was iterative and involved several stages:

Ideation: Brainstorming sessions led to multiple concepts that prioritized simplicity and user-friendliness. The goal was to create a device that felt like an extension of the user rather than just a tool.
Prototyping: Initial sketches evolved into detailed designs incorporating ergonomic research and material considerations. The focus was on creating a device that facilitates easy movement while ensuring safety.
Feedback Loop: Engaging users throughout the design process was vital. Their feedback helped refine features and functionalities to better meet their needs.

Final Solution

The culmination of this project resulted in a mobility solution that embodies both functionality and emotional resonance. Key features include:

Sit-to-Stand Mechanism: This innovative feature assists users in transitioning from sitting to standing positions with ease.
Walker Mode: The device can transform into a walker, providing support during ambulation without compromising independence.
Customizable Design: Users can personalize aspects of the device to reflect their style and preferences, further enhancing its acceptance.

Conclusion and Reflection

This graduation project was not just an academic exercise; it was a transformative journey that deepened my understanding of design's role in improving lives. By focusing on user-centric principles and embracing inclusivity, I aimed to challenge societal perceptions surrounding mobility devices. As I reflect on this experience, I am grateful for the guidance from my mentors at Elephant Design and my supportive peers at NID. This project has reinforced my belief in the power of design as a catalyst for positive change in society, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. In sharing this journey, I hope to inspire others to consider how thoughtful design can enhance dignity, independence, and quality of life for all individuals facing mobility challenges.