EPICURSUS - Multifunction Wheelchair

What it does

EPICURSUS enables elderly individuals with limited mobility to stay active and socially engaged. It eliminates the need for extra assistive devices outdoors, reducing the risk of falls. The detachable accessories promote social interactions.

Your inspiration

I found those elderly individuals with limited mobility often feel unhappy when going out. Aging restricts their ability to participate in independent activities, resulting in boredom and missed chances for physical exercise. To address this, I created a new mobility aid that combines a wheelchair and walker, enhancing autonomy and improving outdoor experiences. Moreover, older adults struggle to find common topics for conversation, weakening social connections and reducing their desire to go out. I designed detachable accessories based on observations of elderly social behaviors in parks, promoting social interaction among wheelchair users.

How it works

EPICURSUS offers a user-friendly experience. First, secure the brake lever to stop the wheelchair. Press the assistive device button to extend it. Place your feet on the ground and lightly press the latch at the connection point between the assistive device and the wheelchair, causing it to spring out automatically. The latch resembles a retractable pen, helping users with attachment and detachment. After placing the assistive device on the ground, users can use it to rise, reducing falls and promoting independence. They can then participate in outdoor rehab and walks. With the growing use of electronic devices by older adults, I took inspiration from park pavilions' social interactions and designed a simple detachable accessory. It securely attaches to the assistive device using a clip and allows convenient interaction and food sharing with tablets or smartphones. When not in use, the accessory can be stored in a bag under the seat.

Design process

EPICURSUS is a design inspired by my personal experience, combining my caregiving for my grandmother with my own observations and market research. During the ideation and validation phase, I engaged in drawing discussions and brainstorming with my mentor, creating multiple prototypes and iteratively refining them. To ensure ergonomic suitability, I collected body data from individuals of diverse genders and races and tested 1:1 scale prototypes. Next, I redesigned the product's appearance from a Gen-Z perspective, aiming to instill user confidence. Collaborating with medical and assistive device experts, I carefully fine-tuned the dimensions and mechanisms to provide a user-friendly experience through innovative designs. Lastly, I transformed observed social interaction elements into detachable accessories, offering convenience and emotionally enriching design for the elderly. This product strives to fulfill both the physical and psychological needs of seniors during outdoor activities.

How it is different

EPICURSUS explores the essence of outings, aiming to enhance the physical and psychological needs of the elderly through design. Compared to traditional products, it offers multiple usage modes and employs thoughtful design to help older adults maintain a healthy lifespan. The front and rear wheels are strategically reversed to align with the mechanical design and improve the wheelchair's ability to overcome obstacles. Constructed from 100% recyclable polypropylene, the seat and overall structure of EPICURSUS not only reduce weight but also offer enhanced flexibility. By providing customizable seat and back cushions, it ensures the elderly enjoy the best seating experience while incorporating a more contemporary product appearance. The design of detachable accessories adds emotional value to the product, transforming the notion of "needing to go out" into "wanting to go out."

Future plans

Apply for a patent - Produce a new prototype and conduct testing (with a focus on mold development and cost reduction) - Perform structural strength testing and improve some design details (design a new type of connector bracket to better align with the user-friendly process, provide accessories that meet the needs of users with different levels of aging and time spans) - Consult with experts on the feasibility of mass production and systematically develop a comprehensive plan.

Awards

YOUNG PIN DESIGN AWARD-Best of the year\ D&AD-Future Impact Pencil winner\ Core77 Design Awards 2023-Health & Wellness Award\ 2023 DNA PARIS DESIGN AWARDS-Medical & scientifics winner