Use of a design challenge to develop postural support devices for intermediate wheelchair users

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Global Health
• Product Design

Background:

• Appropriate wheelchairs with proper fit and postural support are crucial for wheelchair users' physical health and quality of life.
• Many wheelchair users experience postural difficulties, necessitating supplemental trunk support devices.
• Postural support devices are often inaccessible, inappropriate, or unaffordable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Observation:

• The design challenge model, guided by design thinking principles, was employed to address the need for accessible postural support.
• This methodology facilitated the development of a simple, robust, and affordable postural support device tailored for LMICs.

Findings:

• The design thinking approach, specifically the design challenge model, successfully catalyzed the creation of an innovative postural support device.
• The developed device is intended to be affordable, simple, and robust, meeting the needs of users in resource-limited settings.

Implications:

• This model empowers not-for-profit organizations to drive innovation in product development for underserved populations.
• The successful application of design thinking offers a scalable solution for improving assistive technology accessibility in global health contexts.
• The study highlights a practical framework for developing and implementing essential assistive devices in low-resource environments.