Data
Mobility issues are the most commonly reported impairment type in the UK, affecting around 41% of working-age adults
https://designability.org.uk/ estimates that there are 20,000 parents who are wheelchair users in the UK alone
People with disabilities – including intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, sensory, and physical disabilities – are as likely as nondisabled people to be parents
The Problem
Many baby products such as cribs, changing tables and push chairs are not accessible to wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, thus making it difficult for them to take care of their children
Brief
How might we design a wheelchair attachment specifically for parents who use wheelchairs, in order to make traveling with their child easier, more convenient, and enjoyable for both the parent and the child?
Types of Wheelchair Users
Active Manual Wheelchair user
Manual Wheelchair User with Full time Assistance
Specialized Wheelchair User Full time Assistance
Capable of walking but require a wheelchair for extended periods of mobility
Uses a wheelchair for specific activities or during periods of injury
Propel themselves independently with a typically strong upper body. Often sporty, young, or well-rehabilitated.
Self-propel only under certain conditions. Require assistance for transfers, hills, or long distances.
Cannot self-propel and are entirely pushed by caregivers or family members
Fully dependent on caregivers. Limited or no voluntary movement or communication. Often in custom seating
MAIN FOCUS
CAN USE THE PRODUCT
OUTSIDE FOCUS
18%
Mobility Scooter
Manual Wheelchair
(Self Propelled)
Interview 1
Dependance on assistive devices can cause muscles to shift
Carrying her child around is extremely difficult
Struggled with prams- Needed a foldable and light pram to store away in her apartment which was on the top floor
Needed a baby sling but existing ones have too many straps and were not suitable for her
Due to health and safety regulations, many products cannot be made
She is currently focusing on self care. Due to cerebral Palsy her balance is poor so she is working out a few exercises to help.
Interview 2
Interview 3
Changing diapers is difficult, especially in places that are not adapted to using a wheelchair.
There is an idea that if people need extra care, they cannot possibly give care
Wants adjustable changing tables that can be accessible for parents who use wheelchairs.
Baby cribs with lock-wheels component that will enable the parent to care for their child without having to come out of their bed.
Physical Therapy undertaken by wheelchair users
Ideation
I was encouraged to explore the role of play time for a parent and their child and how physical therapy can be integrated as a bonding experience
Prototyping
The next step was to figure out how to design an object that was useful to both the parent and the child. I decided to design a wheelchair attachable trike that could fold into an arm ergometer
Finding a form
I wanted to ensure that the trike was foldable and could easily double as an ergometer. At the same time, I also wanted it to look captivating enough for a child to be interested in it.
Final 1:1 Prototype
The 1:1 prototype was tested for stability, functionality and the ergonomics
Testing
Cresco’s various use cases were tested using a wheelchair. The product was also presented to Wheels and Wheelchairs in Battersea Park for feedback. Project details were shared with parents who are wheelchair users, and potential issues were identified for further iteration.
Final 3D Renders
Cresco offers a new way for wheelchair users to travel with their child
Junior wants to go to the park with his Mama!
User Scenario
Mama attaches the Cresco Trike to her wheelchair
Cresco has a strong clamping system to secure the trike tightly onto the wheelchair
The clamp is compatible with various manual wheelchairs, and both the distance and width can be adjusted
Mama and Junior enjoy a fun stroll in the park!
The handle can be used by non-wheelchair users to push junior around or can be removed for independent riding
With height adjustable handles and tension dials, Mama can get the physical therapy that she needs!
Parenting must embrace diversity in ability to help build a more inclusive society. Cresco aims to enhance the bonding experience and physical health of both mother and child through a simple, shared trike.
