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Problem and Process
I was asked to redesign a University of Alabama engineering student's concept for a wheelchair trainer. While the prototype was functional and solved the core issue, the design left much to be desired. I took the prototype back to the drawing board so I could redesign it with the focus on the people who would be using it.
What is a Wheelchair Trainer?
Traditionally, most insurance companies won't pay for a proper medical wheelchair until the child reaches a certain age, usually over five. Without insurance, wheelchairs can become unaffordable for the families that need them the most. Many parents have resorted to making their own mobility devices called "wheelchair trainers" because they are not technically medical devices. These are typically an existing product called a Bumbo seat attached to a board with wheels that have been taken from toys or bicycles.
My design
I wanted to make a product similar to the ones these clever parents made but improve it and make it possible to mass produce. The child needs to be at play level with the ability to move around on their own. Many of the children who would be using such a device also have trouble supporting themselves so I made sure to include support into my design. I needed to create a brand identity that was fun and familiar to children while safe and fully trusted by parents.
The Bumbo Multiseat is an existing product produced by Bumbo. I used it for my design because of its level of physical support and its adaptability. The cushion fits smaller and younger children and when they outgrow it the cushion can be removed to accommodate larger or older children.
Bumbo Explorer
My final design improved upon the locking mechanism for the seat and the base, the playful colors were included in the wheels and at the footrest, and I added a nesting handle so that parents could push their child while in the chair and added a hook for the children who need medicine or feedbags. The design is intentionally playful while maintaining a sense of security and safety. The wheels are placed so that the child's hands rest on the wheels naturally, and the base is low enough that the child is on the same level of play as other children. There are three smaller wheels to prevent the base from tipping forward or backwards. Overall, the Bumbo Explorer allows the child to explore while looking fun and safe and introduces other kids to the idea of assistive devices.
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