Design
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Deep Sand wheelchair
Product
An upgraded mobility solution for differently-abled people living in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana, where they have to maneuver through deep sand and rocky terrains. The design utilizes bicycle wheels and lightweight metal beams to upgrade standard hospital wheelchairs, which are commonly donated by international charity organizations, in order to increase stability and buoyancy of the vehicle.
Prototype Description
The altered rear wheels fit 2 rubber tyres to decrease surface pressure on the sand. The two constraints for the width of the wheels are the availability of tyres and the safe distance between the user and the propulsion rims (too far and and one risks shoulder injuries). A front wheel adds stability and increases steering capacity. The distance built in between the user’s center mass and the front wheel reduces the amount of pressure exerted on the sand at the front, keeping it agile for steering. The same 20” wheel lifts the chair up at a slight angle so the front casters are a few cm above the surface. The casters are kept on because they are useful for indoor uses, but have to be kept out of the sand to reduce drag.
*Our prototype replaced parts of the user’s existing wheelchair with minimal changes to the seating (seat, backrest, footrests) because any changes in the siting support requires input from a health specialist.
*The prototype was designed and built during a 1-month International Design & Development Summit in Botswana in 2016. A summary can be found on the MIT D-Lab website, and more information about the co-creation process with the community here.
Challenges
This was an extremely difficult design prompt because our team lacked the medical expertise to make certain decisions about wheelchair usage. We also only had direct contact with one user for testing and feedback. There were many sensitivities at play when designing interventions for health and safety. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to test new propulsion and steering mechanisms for this particular wheels-centric upgrade, but other iterations were carried out by the D-Lab: Mobility class the following year, during which I was able to support the next group of students through their designs.
Insulus
Product
A set of 3'x3' insulation pieces with adhesive backing that fits together to cover the glass surface of a window. The modular pieces provide flexibility, aesthetic values as window decoration, as well as an engaging user experience, while being cheaper and as effective as upgrading to a double pane window.
Prototype Description
With 1/4 inch of trapped air as the main insulating material contained within a clear acrylic box, this insulation set increases the R-value of a single pane window from 1 to 3. The clear pattern adds decorative functionality that can blend with most interior settings. The busy pattern can be a soft privacy filter that does not tint or obstruct the view. The puzzle-piece design is a strong visual motif that explains clearly how to use the product while making it fun for users of all ages.
Challenges
The first major challenge was to capture a thick enough layer of air to be effective, but thin enough to fit in the gap between window sashes. Our attempted solution was to incorporate the honeycombs to create pockets of "trapped" air, which proved more effective than a layer of circulating air. The second was to design a set that fits any window size, a challenge that could be addressed by allowing customers to specify window dimensions and choose the patterns before manufacturing.
Lumos
Product
An interactive toy that teaches children about photosynthesis and the connection between energy and life. The inspiration came from the idea of an "energy memento", an object that embodies some meaning of energy and has a personal connection to the user.
Prototype Description
Lumos is a plant character that requires daily interaction - a companion that facilitates the teaching of routine and responsibility. The character needs to be exposed to sunlight and water twice a day, which is registered by the photosensor and moisture sensor in the leaves. An accelerometer inside the pod allows the character to register some external motion, allowing the child to play games and interact with the character. At night when the pod is charging, it gives a soft white glow that also functions as a calming night light. The exterior is coated with silicone for water-proofing and shock-proofing. The device is paired with wireless inductive charging, which eliminates risks of the child coming into contact with any wires.
Challenges
Creating the personal connection was the biggest challenge. The pod and the character were designed to look the same to strengthen the connection between the character to the object, and the user to the object. We tested a number of shapes and sizes to arrive at the most ergonomic form for a child's hand in order to provide instantaneous comfort when it is held. The key to this challenge is the interaction with the digital character, which has to be both stimulating enough but not too addictive that it causes negative consequences.
Household Water Filter
Product
A personal slow-sand filter for individual households in Kerala, India, and other villages with the similar conditions (intermittent rainfall and lacking access to fresh water). With the household filter, individuals are able to use water from the communal rainwater collection tanks by safely filtering it on a needed bases. The small size filtration system reduces filter time as well as eliminating the amount of time clean water sits dormant in a container, where it is most vulnerable to contamination.
Description
Filtration layers: sun-dried river sand, activated carbon made from coconut husk, sun-dried gravel
Housing: two aluminium “thotti” vessels that are readily available in the village (measures 1 ft tall each) secured together by coir rope, also readily available, that will expand and create a tight seal when wet
The system was designed to filter 20L of water over night. This was designed as part of larger project for Rainwater for Humanity in Kerala, India. However, the project was stopped before further iterations could be tested.
Challenges
The engineering challenge was to find a compromise between a thick enough sand layers that would provide effective filtration but thin enough to allow a decent flow rate for 20L of water to be filtered every day. The design challenge was to limit any complicated fabrication methods but still secure all components. Designing with the community members would have been necessary to make meaningful progress.
