My inspiration and motive for my senior thesis derive from a differently-abled loved one in my life and my experience in helping develop an innovative, human-centered mobility device on co-op. I knew coming into this project how pervasive conventional mobility devices are as well as how systemically flawed the associated institutions are. Whether it is getting adequate health insurance, epistemic activism towards government legislation, or finding equitable mobility devices that suit consumer needs it is far from convenient. Through talking to individuals who use assistive mobility devices I was able to listen, observe, and form insights. It has opened my eyes to the vast opportunity of offering someone more than just a product, experience, or service but an inclusive streamline of support.
WYS - Wellness You Seek.
WYS - Wellness You Seek.
Our physical, mental and emotional health rely heavily on one another. Having problems with one can likely lead to problems with the others.
There is a shortage of access to human centered solutions for those dependent to some form of mobility device.
Problem
Insight
There is a substantial need for human centered design in mobility devices. There is also an evident need for empathy, human connection and support.
Intent
I intend to develop a human centered lifestyle device inclusive of a holistic aftercare system. This system will provide strategized support for individual users’ needs.
Alpha
Seeking a range of adjustability in device height, angle, and wheel width. Using a universal slot system I was able to explore various configurations and experiences.
Beta
Seeking immersive capability in both forward and backward movement. Fixed adjustment for strength in testing. The beta consists of four swiveling castors, a folding seat and ergonomic armrests.
Gamma
the Gamma was key to validating form and function through testing. Consisting of three adjustment ranges. Universal armrest height range of 8 inches. Horizontally sliding armrests. Pivotal armrests up to 180 degrees.
User Testing Study in Human Factors
Prototype Tested: Gamma
Compiled Data from over 20 users: tests measuring three ranges of motion in adjustability given each optimal location of comfort.
Height Adjustability: 8-Inch Range
Pivotal Armrest Points
Range of Armrest Slides
Concept Development
Sketching in CAD from ideations to concepts to final form. Focusing on human-factored ergonomics and an identity that users can relate to through experience.
Final Form Direction
The development and refinement of the WYS (/WIZE/) Lifestyle Device
Design Focus: The key ‘moment’ component of the WYS is the armrests. This frequent moment of interaction builds trust between users. Casual, natural, comforting, yet robust. Integral to altering traditional affordances off your hands and wrists onto your forearms and legs.
Introducing the WYS:
Human Centered Lifestyle Device
The WYS (\Wize\) is a lifestyle device designed to reform the way we approach mobility solutions.
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Frame: Welded Aluminum
Armrests: Polyurethane foam
Brakes: Anodized Aluminum
Wheels: Metal Rims with Pneumatic Rubber Tires
Seat: Ripstop Nylon
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Colors
Calm, Wysdom, Trust, Cast, Current, and Half Full
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Weight: 13 lbs
Armrest Height Range: 36” - 48”
Seat Height: 25”
Overall Width: 23.5”
Overall Length: 34.75”
Universal Design
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Intuitive ergonomics that promote casual comfortability.
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Free sliding armrest adjustments inclusive to many user sizes.
High quality materials
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Here at WYS we domestically manufacture all of our prototypes.
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We then test those prototypes through various phases of trial.
Customized for you
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We offer laser etching for engravings of your choice.
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Our 6 Human Centered colorways are coated to last
Our Primary goal here at WYS, is to leave you with more than just a product that can improve your daily life but leave you with a support system implemented to last.
Key Features
Turn the Armrest adjustment knob to set desired height
Ergonomically sculpted then manufactured armrests for optimal comfort, leisure, and relief. For some, the armrests may be the first thing they touch in the morning and last before resting at night which is why they are integral components of the WYS.
Slide down to lock rear swiveling castors
This integrated feature is ideal for those who need extra support with balance and for those who go on long straight walks either on trails outdoors or long hallways indoors.
Slide Red Folding Sleeve and pull seat handle up to fold
Our collapsible soft good seat has a handle for ease in folding both frames together for storage, travel, or transport. The central folding mechanism stabilizes both frames together by connecting both crossbars with a steel spring action pin that only disengages with intention of doing so. The scissor lifts are connected to both the seat and side frames.
WYS Support
Here at WYS, we have integrated a support system at the core of our mission. The Wysdom System, which is inclusive to consumption of the device, consists of 5 branches of holistic aftercare approaches that give our users the freedom to engage given their unique needs.
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Guided exercise coaching, aerobics and yoga classes
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Mental health services and self care programs
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Emotional heath support
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Mindfulness coaching
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Nutrition guidance and whole food approaches
Wellness is our focus
Long before modern science validated the connection between the body and the brain, ancient teachings proved that our body, mind and emotions are part of one integrated system. This means influencing one inevitably influences the others.
Here at WYS we value you.
And that is why we are dedicated to supporting your journey toward optimal wellness.
Final Model Journey
The journey of developing the full scale final model of the WYS lifestyle device.
Processes
From head to toe of the WYS lifestyle device, I designed and manufactured all components with feasible processes and materials allowing it to be full scale.
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Utilizing Solidworks I 3D modeled the final design with the proper dimensions, proportions, human factors and tolerances based on the data gathered and insights from user testing.
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Breaking the master model of the WYS lifestyle device into subassemblies of components allowed me to 3-D print all plastic components for an applicable finish.
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There were certain components that were either unattainable to manufacture using machinery or purely design intent to sculpt. The armrests being a dominant component.
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Shaping, Sanding, priming and painting all components based on its appropriate CMF as if the final model were storefront ready.
CNC Cut Side Frames
The side frames, as you can see in the first image above, were CNC machined as four halves and then glued together using 1-inch thick baltic birch plywood. This method gave the ability to hollow out integral housing for other components in both side frames. A secondary process as a result of this method was shaping the frames as close as possible to my CAD model.
3-D Printed Plastic Parts
All detailed components such as the wheels, hubs, forks, height adjustment knobs, rear swivel lock clips, scissor lift lugs, pivotal folding arms, and custom hardware for the final model were 3D printed either as complete parts or half parts. I then sanded, primed, painted, and assembled all plastic components In various phases.
Hand Sculpted Ergonomics
As for the armrests and brakes, I sculpted them by hand out of polyurethane boards with the intent of crafting the highest fidelity of ergonomics for something that is going to receive the most interactivity of the fingers, hands, and arms. These armrests would then be refined and used at the production level for injection molded parts that feel as if they were hand sculpted.
Finishing and Assembly
Assembling all structural components within the final model in several phases to ensure that each part is modeled machined, or printed fits correctly with marginal room for primer and paint coats as the final process before reassembling all painted components. Experiencing everything piece together was by far the most exciting and rewarding part of building the final model.
Senior Design Showcase
Where everything and everyone came together. My approach was to not only showcase my ability as a product designer but emphasize the research, insights, and thinking strategies behind the entirety of my thesis. On display is my final looks-like model and works-like the full-scale prototype. It was also vital that I visually displayed the holistic support system (Wysdom System) and its inclusivity through product consumption. I wanted to let my audience know that you are not only left with WYS lifestyle device but a streamlined support system based on your unique needs and our core values. This can be seen in the first image below on the furthest right panel as well as in the brochures available at the show for a more in-depth scope of our differentiating offerings. Having a multifaceted approach to the show was idealistic and rewarding.
My inspiration for my senior studies, Joe, was able to make it to my show and experience firsthand the essential role he played in my ambitious journey towards success. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and lent me a helping hand throughout my senior studies. I appreciate you all and your support does not go unnoticed. Until the next journey!
Contact
Whether you want to know more about WYS or have a design inquiry please reach out by any means!