DESIGN NAME: Bariatric Project
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Wheelchair
INSPIRATION: INVACARE believes in motivating overweight people to stay physically active and promoting a better quality of life. Inspired by cycling, automotive and high-tech products, we integrated active mobility in our product D.N.A. Our modern styling encourages socialization, increasing motivation to engage in human interactions. Creating the desire is the first step to lasting lifestyle change. Functionally, the spherical transport wheels are inspired by R2D2, Star Wars robot, for its high maneuverability and omnidirectional steering.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Bariatric Project challenges conventional aesthetic of medical devices by a sporty design,hiding technical details, reducing the impact of outsized proportions. Based on a well thought out active aluminum architecture especially designed for overweight people, up to 300 kg. The backrest is ergonomically designed with effective support enabling an easy access to the handrims. The transfer handles make sitting down and getting up safer. Equipped with patented spherical transport wheels, the wheelchair passes easily through doors, offering effortless management.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The advantage is in the details, specifically designed for bariatric users. The ergonomic backrest fits to their physiology and lends accessibility to the handrims for self-propelling. The spherical transport wheels in the rear, intended to prevent tipping, allows the chair to effortlessly pass through doors in a tilted position. The transfer levers support the user in entering and exiting the wheelchair easily and autonomously.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project was started in January 2018 in Witterswil CH. The first prototype was presented in Cardiff UK, Frankfurt GE, and Toulouse FR, for end users field tests.
The product is designed in Switzerland and produced in France.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Social Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The complete frame and backrest structure are made from aluminum profile that is extruded, cut, folded, welded and powder coated. We use, aluminum for its lightweight, recyclable and freedom of form properties to support weight up to 300 kg. Welded for a better rigidity and lightweight than assembled by screw. For the plastic used for the chair, we molded PA for its quality and stiffness.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 6 Seat width from 505 to 755 x 2 Seat depth 460 and 510 x 4 Seat heights from 380 to 455 mm.
The backrest is foldable for optimal storage, rear wheels and footrests are removable for transportation.
TAGS: Bariatric wheelchair, Bariatric Product, Wheelchair, Bariatric Mobility, Active Wheelchair, Lightweight Bariatric Wheelchair
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: We investigated the characteristics of the obese population, physiologies, social interactions, and habits. We have interviewed end users to map a customer journey with the objective of identifying pain points in their daily life. To practice empathy, we developed a bariatric suit to experience and better understand their challenges. From this research, we observed that wheelchairs are not adapted to the related needs of this population. Currently, bariatric wheelchairs are based on a standard wheelchair but wider, heavier and stronger to support additional weight.
CHALLENGE: Our task was to increase autonomy of the user by reducing the chair weight as much possible. Challenging the conventional design of bariatric device, we making it more attractive and active. Hiding all technical details is the result of engineers and designers working together. Reshape the user s and wheelchair s silhouettes with a sporty design. Increasing autonomy and accessibility with key features. Promoting a self confidence and self esteem for overweight people, reducing stigmatization and giving a sense of autonomy with an active product.
ADDED DATE: 2019-02-15 11:29:46
TEAM MEMBERS (6) : Designer: Julien Codet, Designer: Aurélie Minois, Designer: Laura Grécourt, Designer: Thomas Laroche, Project Leader: Jean-Michel Roncin and Project Engineer: Jean-Louis Overney
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Julien Codet, 2018
Image #2: Photographer Claire Vinson, 2018
Image #3: Photographer Claire Vinson, 2018
Image #4: Photographer Claire Vinson, 2018
Image #5: Photographer Claire Vinson, 2018
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