BEACH WHEELCHAIR
Product Design
Prototype design of a wheelchair that allows the user to move on sand and uneven ground. It adapts to warm and humid conditions, and each wheel contains a remote controlled motor with a control in order to restore independence to the user .
Tools:
Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator.
CHALLENGE
The common wheelchairs used in everyday life are not designed for environments like the beach and those that are, cannot be used outside of it. Therefore, the necessity to design a wheelchair that combines the qualities of each chair and that has the capacity to withstand the conditions by minimizing the user's dependence on an assistant was evident.
USER & NEEDS
The common wheelchairs used in everyday life are not designed for environments like the beach and those that are, cannot be used outside of it. Therefore, it is necessary to design a wheelchair that combines the qualities of each one and has the capacity to withstand the conditions but minimizing the user's dependence on an assistant.
DESIGN PROCESS
EXPLORATION
DESIGN
PROTOTYPE
VALIDATION
Environment
Context
Concept
Define
Sketch
3D design
Blueprints
3D model
Printing
Tangible
Intangibles
INVESTIGATION & ANALYSIS
An analysis on how to minimize the effort made to push the chair on soft surfaces was made. Therefore the project was focused on creating an inclusive design that is not obvious in relation to the user's disability, implementing low-cost materials for greater accessibility, and increasing the autonomy of the user whose mobility is usually very conditioned. Also, tangible and intangible validations were created to check ergonomics and visual and emotional perception
SOLUTION
The improvements implemented were: designing wide area wheels, portray modern and simple aesthetics , and use waterproof materials. On the other side, an electric motor (with rechargeable batteries and versatility of use on different terrains) and an ergonomic chair (with air intake to keep cool) were used.
FINAL PRODUCT
3D printing scale 1:5
Render design