crutch
about
A product that will allow crutch users to experience less pain and have a better experience using crutches.
Details
purpose
Inspired by the experience of a friend who used crutches, and carried forward as my capstone project for my undergraduate degree.
contribution
User studies, brainstorming, concept generation and development, material selection, detailed designing.
inspiration
A close friend was forced to use crutches for a few months when she had a Vitamin B12 deficiency and wasn’t able to hold herself up. The whole 3 months were agony for her, a usually hyperactive person, as she could barely support herself for a few minutes without having to sit down and rest her hands. She pointed out to me that there was immense scope for design improvement.
goal
My goal is to create a device that aids mobility in people that are injured or otherwise disabled, while not compromising on their physical, emotional and psychological comfort, and retaining independence.
user study
A survey was conducted with 31 respondents, who had each used crutches for varying quantities of time. The data was segregated based on whether the responder used axillary (underarm) crutches, or forearm crutches.
Axillary
forearm
insights
Time needed to adapt to usage of most crutches is high.
Painful to use, especially long term.
Mobility of arms compromised.
Medical complications may arise.
directions
Increasing mobility of hands, while not compromising on stability.
Reducing stresses on shoulders.
Less energy expended in crutch usage.
Higher physical and emotional comfort for users.
objectives
To create a product that functions as a crutch, which is ergonomic and human-centered, minimises the possibility of developing chronic medical conditions, maximises the user’s mobility and movement and maximises their comfort while suffering from injury or a disability.
