Mobility solutions for quality of life in eldercare.
Research | Product Design | Application Design
Mobility Aid For Elderly
Design Timeline
Problem Area Identification
Situational Mapping
Identified Problem Area
The timeline emphasizes a user-centered approach, beginning with in-depth user research and culminating in the development of a user-friendly product. This iterative approach ensures that the final product meets the needs and expectations of the users.
DISCOVER
Situational Mapping
Problem Area Identification
RESEARCH
Design Brief
Primary and Secondary Research
Identifying the keywords
DESIGN
Defining the user
Conceptualization
Final Concept
Tech Validation
User Testing
Efficient transportation in old age homes ensures elderly residents can safely access all areas, including essential services and social activities. It reduces injury risks and supports independence.
Old Age Homes
Navigating Common Areas
This situation involves how elderly residents move around shared spaces like lounges, dining areas, and activity rooms.
Emergency Situations
This covers how mobility issues impact emergency responses, such as evacuations or quick movements to address health emergencies.
Transitioning In and Out of Bed
This situation involves the challenges of getting into and out of bed safely, including using any necessary mobility aids.
Participating in Group Activities
This situation looks at how mobility issues affect participation in group activities, both in terms of physical involvement and social engagement.
Outdoor Mobility
This covers how elderly residents move around outdoor areas of the old age home, such as gardens, walkways, and sitting areas.
Using Bathroom Facilities
This situation focuses on the challenges elderly residents face when using bathrooms, including getting on and off toilets, using sinks, and navigating shower areas.
The primary concern is the limited mobility of elderly residents in care facilities, which can lead to social isolation, increased fall risks, and difficulty accessing essential amenities. This impacts their overall quality of life and well-being.
Aging Population
Technological Advancements
Market Opportunities
Social Responsibility
Policies and Funding Support
Healthcare Trends
Driving Factors
Driving factors to develop innovative and affordable mobility solutions that would enhance independence and quality of life for the elderly.
Personal Experience and Empathy
Create a mobility aid designed to enhance mobility for elderly residents in a retirement home. The stick should offer stability and ease of use, incorporating features that support safe and comfortable movement throughout the facility.
Conducting in-depth interviews with elderly residents and staff at various old age homes.
Design Brief
Primary Research
Aastha Foundation
L-12, near Under Bridge, Swatantra Senani Nagar, Akhbar Nagar, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380017
Jeevan Sandhya Old Age Home
Vanprasth Sewa Samaj, 132 feet Ring Road, Gharda Ghar Rd, near Ankur Bus Stop, Near Kalptaru Part 1 & 2, Naranpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380013
Matoshree Vrudhashram
25 Vandana Park Society, Opp. Kadamb Hospital, Nr Bank Of India Akhabar Nagar Cross Road, Chandlodiya Rd, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380013
On- field research locations
Questionnaire
Can you describe your typical daily movements around the campus?
Which areas of the campus do you visit most frequently?
How often do you need to move between different buildings or areas on campus?
Do you experience any difficulties moving around the campus? If yes, what are they?
Are there specific locations or situations on campus where you find mobility particularly challenging?
Do weather conditions affect your mobility on campus? If so, how?
Do you use any mobility aids while moving around campus? If yes, what kind?
Have you experienced any major issues while using your mobility aids on campus?
Have you ever had to modify or adapt your mobility aid to better suit the campus environment?
Intra-campus Mobility
Mobility Issues
Mobility Aids
CAUSE:
Due to a severe hike up in her sugar levels they had to amputate her right leg
Gathering firsthand accounts of elderly residents' mobility challenges, preferences, and daily experiences.
NAME: Manjula Ben
AGE: 73
SEX: Female
EXPECTATIONS:
Being able to stand in lines and walk more comfortably.
PAIN POINTS:
She has diabetes and thyroid that's why the doctors have asked her not to do the knee replacement surgery.
She can go up and down the stairs slowly without pain, but every night due to cold ac or cold air, the pain increases.
She can walk around slowly with a walker or a walking stick.
It hurts a lot.
She sits down when everyone is in line for food because of her knee and back pain.
CAUSE:
She fell down. It has been three months since she fell down.
photo
NAME: Hansaben Patel
AGE: 67
SEX: Female
EXPECTATIONS:
Have a lighter leg prosthetic (PVC leg)
Being able to travel around more
PAIN POINTS:
She has been using a prosthetic leg since the amputation
The weight of the prosthetic is 5 kgs (POP leg)
She cannot walk a lot due to the weight of the prosthetic
She cannot walk up the stairs at all
She cannot use the lighter leg prosthetic because her leg does not fit into it
photo
NAME: Seetabai Shinde
AGE: 77
SEX: Female
EXPECTATIONS:
She wants something that will reduce the physical strain.
PAIN POINTS:
She has leg pain.
She can’t walk without support.
She likes walking but she can’t walk stairs.
Knees pain the most.
She doesn't walk outside in the rains, because of the fear of falling.
Hand aches because of holding the walking stick.
CAUSE:
She fell and injured her leg and elbow. She is against doing knee replacement surgery
User Interviews
Created to provide a detailed understanding of the elderly residents' perspectives.
NARMADABEN CHI PATEL
86 years old
Ahemdabad, Gujarat
Biography
She's been there for 22 years and has undergone 12 surgeries. Despite her age, she remains cheerful and outgoing. She shares a room with three others. As her seva, she performs daily pujas and special ones on festivals.
Exercise
Daily Activities
Physiotherapy
Doctor’s visits
Pain points
Pain from shoulders to wrists caused due to holding walking sticks
Living with these problems since 15-16 years
Left leg has no balance
Cannot walk stairs
Cannot stand for long hours
Cannot walk long distances
Rain prevents her from going outside for walks and accessing physiotherapy area
Personality
Independent
Positive
Health
12 Surgeries
Knee injury
Back ache
Balance issues
User Persona
To identify customer needs, preferences, and market trends
110 Million
population in india is above the age of 60
60-80%
of elderly require is use of mobility aids
2 Million
elderly are injured yearly due to falls
95,000
death related falls occur in India yearly
2018
0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
0.65
1.3
1.95
2.6
Market Size Growth (in Billion USD)
The market for mobility aids in India is growing rapidly, with projections showing significant increase year over year.
2022
300
600
900
1200
2023
2024
2025
2026
Market Potential for Mobility Aids (Millions USD)
Indian mobility aids market is estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 7-8% and is expected to reach approximately $600-650 million by 2025.
Market Research
Scalevo wheelchair:
The Scalevo wheelchair is a unique design that allows users to navigate stairs and uneven terrain with ease, thanks to its innovative climbing mechanism.
Wooden walking sticks:
Simple, sturdy design using natural wood.
500/-
Adjustable walking sticks:
Telescopic design for customizable height using metal or aluminum.
1500/-
Quadripod walking sticks:
Designed with four legs for enhanced stability, making them ideal for individuals with balance issues.
1500/-
Rollators:
Walkers with wheels for mobility and a seat for rest using aluminum.
6000/-
Crutches:
Upper body support using metal or aluminum with underarm pads and rubber tips.
1500/-
Wheelchairs:
Manual or motorized mobility for those unable to walk using aluminum or steel frames.
Manual 5000/-
Motorized 50,000/-
Knee braces:
Support and stability for the knee joint using metal or plastic with straps.
2500/-
Honda walking assist:
A robotic device that supports individuals with walking difficulties by providing assistance to the lower limbs, enhancing mobility.
2,00,000/-
Walking Aid Types Market Share (%)
Canes 40%
Other 5%
Rollators 10%
Crutches 15%
Walkers 30%
Urban
Rural
Gender Distribution Of Users
0
20
40
60
80
Intra- campus
For elderly
Mobility
Stair friendly
Balancing
Paralysis
Canes/ Walking sticks
Standing for longer time
Prosthetics
Sensory decline
Hands free
Grip
All terrain
Easy to maintain
Affordable
Movement of joints
Limited pressure on joints
Knee pain
Light weight
Walkers
Universal fitting/ Adaptation
Cost efficient
Done to identify relevant terms and understand our target audience and generate ideas
"Elderly individuals aged 60-70 residing in old age homes who often rely on mobility aids to support their movement."
Generating and organizing ideas
Keywords Mapping
Defining Our User
Conceptualization
Following the red dot method to sort out concepts
Generating ideas keeping various pain points in mind
Brainstorming
This walking stick designed for elderly individuals features a hydraulic system activated by a foot pedal. This innovative design facilitates easier standing from a seated position by raising the handle. The ergonomic handle, crafted with moldable cork, offers personalized comfort, while the Y-shaped base ensures optimal balance.
Y shape
Pedal To Push
Ergonomic Handle
Pascal’s Hydraulics
Using Pascal’s hydraulic principles to convert the downward force applied by the user into an upward assistive force, effectively "multiplying" the user's strength and making it easier to stand up.
Y shape
In a product like a cane, the Y-shape can provide a stable and secure base. The three legs of the Y can distribute the weight of the user evenly, preventing the cane from tipping over.
Birkenstock, Cork
The cork handle is initially firm, but over time it will soften and conform to the contours of the fingers, providing personalized support and comfort.
Vulcanized Rubber
Vulcanized rubber is durable, highly slip-resistant, and provides good cushioning.
Additionally a light and a fall detection sensor will be added.
Technology Added
Finalized Concept
Contact