Duoform is a new take on 2 in 1 rollators.
Brief
Design a more comfortable seamless experience of a 2 in 1 rollator.
Problem.
2 in 1 rollators are often heavier
They sacrifice comfort for ease of use or vice versa
The transition from wheelchair to rollator is either confusing or a lot of work.
Market Research
-
Nitro Duet
$345
Uncomforatble
Hard to enable breaks
Cheap Armrests
-
Medline Combination
$160
Unattractive
Uncomfortable
To many parts
Hard to Enable Breaks
Bulky
-
Rollz
$1,150
Heavy
Too Many Parts
Confusing to Transition
Bulky
Harder to Manuever
-
Duet Transportation
$175
Cheap
Unattractive
Uncomfortable
Hard to enable Breaks
Opportunity Zone
Looking at the square we can see an opportunity zone to design a better product. In the upper right hand corner there is space for a rollator that is both comfortable and easier to transition between rollator and wheelchair.
The rollators with easier transitions lack comfortability while the one with harder transition is more comfortable.
How might we design a 2 in 1 rollator that does not sacrifice comfort for ease of use?
In the first ideation phase I drew different concepts for how the body frame would look like. I kept in mind the aesthetics and the fact that its a 2 in 1. I wanted the form to flow together with all the features it has.
The ideations here explored how the handles would be. I explored the different ergonomics of handles and how it affects the user.
In this phase of sketching I improved the proportions of the frame in relation to the human scale and how people would be using it. I explored the ways in which the transition process would work.
In this sketch phase I finalized what the body would look like. I also added all the features that are needed.
Mock Up
Here I made some mock ups out of foam core and hot glue. I modeled how the seat and the other features would function. I also made a life sized handle based on the previous sketches showing the improved ergonomics and how the user would hold it.
Rotating Handles
The Duoform rollator features improved ergonomic handles. When using as a rollator the user can flip them up to relieve the stress on their wrist and it encourages better posture by keeping the elbows in. When transitioning to wheelchair the user can rotate them back down. Another feature is the improved breaking system. One issue on previous rollators is the fact that the user needs to use their finger to grip the break and to initiate it. People with limited mobility find it hard to use their finders. The designed breaking system here allows the user to use their palm to break by squeezing the handles.
Expandable Frame
The expandable frame allows for more or less space when using as either rollator or wheelchair. When using as a rollator the armrest retract back inward to make the whole frame smaller and easier to maneuver as it takes up less space.
When going to wheelchair the user simple presses the button to expand the armrest which give the user more room to be able to sit in.
The material for the frame would be aluminum to keep it lightweight. Featured on the armrest is a leather cushion.
Easy Transition
The transition feature is also improved. The fold able seat allows for easy transition. This keeps both the comfort of having a full seat and also being able to store when not in use to have more room. Once its folds it still allows the user to sit on for brief moments if need be.
Its as simple as expanding the armrest, unfolding the seat, and rotating the handles
