What is the Problem?
Wheelchairs come with their own set of safety risks. Users are targeted more for violent crimes and are prone to tips and falls as our environment is not designed for them. When this happens they have difficulty getting the help that they need in a timely manner.
Objective:
The objective is to design a safety device for wheelchair users that will get them the help they need and allow them to gain more independence and mobility.
Initial Concept
Petal is a personal safety alarm for wheelchair users allowing them to live a more independent lifestyle. In conjunction with an app, petal notifies loved ones or caregivers in the case of an emergency allowing responsibility to be lifted as well as providing a sense of security and trust.
What is Petal?
Meet the Users!
Adult Wheelchair Users
Children Using Wheelchairs
Family Members
Caregivers
In the US, people with disabilities are 3x more likely to be victims of serious violence
Research
58%
Of wheelchair users struggle with independent living and are concerned about their safety on a daily basis.
50%
Of wheelchair users reported at least one accident during a three year period. Almost 90% of those accidents involved tips and falls.
During my ideation phase, I explored different types of safety products from self defense, alarms, and even wearables. For limited mobility, a wearable alarm was the best choice as it would get them the help that they needed without having to put their own safety at risk.
Product Ideation
Ergonomics was especially important to take into consideration in this design given their limited mobility, so it needed to be something that makes their life easier, not harder. By experimenting with different curve types and different angles I was able to come up with a few designs that would be easy to hold but first I needed to test the forms myself.
Fabrication/Testing
After testing my models, I decided the form in the first row fit much better in the hand as it had smooth curves for the finger placement as opposed to the harsh and angular sides in the second row.
Color/Material/Finish
I experimented with different colors and materials from the strap material to contrast between shiny and textured plastic. Although fun it needed to be neutral to blend into the user/wheelchair more
To make the product blend into the user/wheelchair, I decided to use textured black abs plastic for the casing. For added contrast, the button is made from shiny abs plastic.
Key Features
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The strap that wraps around the leg and wheelchair is made from stretchy nylon fabric. This makes it comfortable to wear while also giving it enough tension to activate the alarm when needed.
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The seatbelt is made from a metal part that clicks into the casing of the device. When the user is in an emergency and falls this will activate the alarm.
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The user pushes the lock button up for every use. This allow for the device to work, if not locked the alarm will not activate.
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The large release button can be pressed when the device is locked to make sure alarm isn’t activated when they aren’t in an emergency
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The outer case is shaped in the form of a petal. It makes the device curve with the natural cure of the hand allowing the user to easily grip and press buttons.
How Does Petal Work?
Step 1: Wrap the devices strap around one leg and and outside of the wheelchair, then click in the seatbelt
Step 2: Slide up the lock button to allow for the devices alarm to be activated
Step 3: In the case the user needs to move leg from wheelchair, they can press the release button to easily remove strap without activating the alarm
Step 4: When the user falls or is targeted by an external force, the strap will be pulled and will set off an alarm along with sending a signal to an emergency contact through an app.
Petal App
When alarm is triggered a notification will be sent to the emergency contact who could be a spouse, child, or caregiver. This can be customized through the app by the user and both parties must have it downloaded. When the spouse, child, or caregiver receives the notification they can see their location on a map, have the option of calling them, or directly calling the emergency number. If the alarm is accidentally activated and the phone is in reach, they can swipe to dismiss the alarm.
