A Lower Body Assistive Wearable Device, designed to empower individuals facing mobility challenges during walking and driving (ongoing project)
The Ford Global Design Factory Challenge involves a collaborative effort between three design factories: Design Factory London, NYC Design Factory, and Hannam University in South Korea.
The challenge revolves around mobility inclusivity, recognizing that while mobility is a fundamental aspect of modern life, it remains inaccessible to many due to cognitive, financial, and societal barriers. These barriers hinder a significant portion of the population from fully participating in society and accessing essential services.
Recognizing the importance of inclusive mobility, this project aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or financial circumstances, has access for reaching essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment, all of which are fundamental to improving the quality of life and fostering economic independence. The ultimate goal is to create a more equitable, integrated, and prosperous society for everyone.
Specifically, this project focuses on societal inclusivity, exploring how to create experiences that are societally inclusive. It seeks to harness the benefits of next-generation transport and mobility infrastructure in both urban and non-urban areas, ensuring equitable distribution and access for all.
The project started a couple of weeks ago, and currently, I'm still navigating the group dynamic and figuring out the role I should take on within the team.
As the project unfolds, I aim to contribute my professional experience gained at Mercedes Benz. Additionally, I plan to draw on my personal experiences in identifying and understanding the challenges faced by the aging population.
Focus Area
How might we create societally inclusive experiences that harness the benefits of next-generation transport and mobility infrastructure in urban and non-urban areas, ensuring equitable distribution and access for all?
Delving into our focus area, our group generated ideas based on observations, personal experiences, and extensive research.
Recognizing the global trend of an aging population with an increasing average age, we chose to concentrate on this demographic. Our goal is to devise a solution that guarantees access to essential services for the elderly, irrespective of their physical, cognitive, or financial conditions.
In our brainstorming session, we identified three potential areas for exploration, representing our initial ideas
Mobility Hubs
Rotating Car Seats
Wearable Technology
Subsequently, we formulated "How might we" questions to guide our further exploration.
How Might We…
How might we make transportation easy & convenient so that elderly population can maintain mobility and live independently
Generative Research Findings
Following the creation of the "How might we" statement, we initiated generative research, concentrating on wearable technologies. Specifically, we delved into areas such as "A Wearable System for Gait Training in Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease" and "A Wearable Assistant for Gait Training for Parkinson’s Disease with Freezing of Gait in Out-of-the-Lab Environments."
Real-time auditory feedback and wireless body sensor network and smartphone integration
Allow for personalized feedback to encourage users in maintaining or correcting their walking behavior.
Highlights the importance of gait evaluation and rehabilitation in daily life, using a portable and wearable technology setup that enables personalized, at-home rehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease patients.
Target Market
User Research Insights
