Figure 1: Labeled engineer drawing for the frame of our proposed solution (Created by Daniel D C.)
Figure 2: Final pitch presentation photo as a group with proposed solution
Video 1: Full demonstration of basket, showing all aspects and use of the product
Video 1: Full demonstration of basket, showing all aspects and use of the product
The IMPACT (Interdisciplinary, Mentorship, Practice, Applied, Community, Transformative) initiative was a collaborative effort to address the challenges faced by a client living with spina bifida, and hopefully provide them with an effective and applicable solution.
Spina bifida, a congenital condition affecting the spine, often presents mobility and accessibility obstacles, impacting the individual's day-to-day life.
Over the past six weeks, our team thoughtfully collaborated to create a solution focused to meet the specific needs of our client. Through an iterative design planning and prototyping, we developed a collapsible basket prototype that can be attached to the client's wheelchair, providing convenient and accessible storage for their belongings. The innovative design addresses the client's struggles with conventional storage methods, such as backpacks, which proved ineffective and likely to accessibility issues.
Furthermore, our prototype enhances the client's independence by eliminating the need for assistance in holding personal items (refer to Video 1). Moving forward, if we were to expand on our solution, our objectives would include refining the design by ensuring full collapsibility, integrating waterproof materials for durability in various weather conditions, and enhancing containment features to prevent small item loss. This project highlights the transformative potential of collaborations in addressing real-world challenges and improving the lives of individuals within our community, with hopes to have an inclusive and full-access environment for everyone, regardless of any disabilities.
The final solution resulted in a fully functional collapsible basket, specifically designed to enhance the client's independence and address their specific needs.
By incorporating a collapsible mechanism and lightweight materials, we ensured that the basket was easy to attach to the client's wheelchair and provided convenient storage without hindering mobility (refer to Figure 3 & 4). Although our vision included two identical baskets, time and material constraints led us to create a single prototype for demonstration purposes. Nonetheless, the design concept remains scalable for future iterations, allowing the client to benefit from an extra storage option while maintaining wheelchair balance.
The frame of the basket (refer to Figure 5), crafted from laser-cut pieces and secured with metal brackets, offers a stable structure and durability, which are essential for daily use. Utilizing a combination of cardboard and reusable grocery bags for the basket's sides, it allowed us strength and flexibility, also highlighting the easy folding mechanism.
The addition of 3D-printed hooks/brackets allows for an easy attachment to the client's wheelchair, enhancing usability and comfort. With internal dimensions carefully considered by using dimensions from a sample wheelchair, the basket offers an extra storage capacity, empowering and encouraging the client to be more independent and achieve tasks at ease.
Figure 3: Basket opened on a chair
Figure 4: Basket collapsed and closed on the chair
Figure 5: CAD view of the frame of the basket
Figures 6, 7, 8: Person initial prototype photos
Our prototyping process involved keen attention to detail, from the selection of materials to the design of the collapsible mechanism. Everyone’s design had something unique that outweighed another group members design and something that could be effective for our client. When creating our final model, a segment/design of everyone’s prototype was incorporated, as that’s how we felt we could make an ideal solution, tailored for our client and their needs. From my concept sketch and initial prototype (refer to Figure 6, 7, 8, 9), the hooking mechanism was adapted, as we (as a group) found that to be effective when it came to one of our objectives, being able to detach the basket and also didn’t compromise much material or time.
Figure 9: Personal concept sketch for prototyping
Figure 10: Chosen designs initial physical prototype
The testing plan consisted of quantitative assessments of weight capacity, volume, durability, and efficiency, alongside qualitative evaluations of comfort and aesthetics. While the prototype excelled in aspects like a lightweight design and ease of use, challenges were identified during the durability test, which prompted us to go back to the drawing board and identify a quick yet effective solution, as time wasn’t on our side. After discussing as a team and modifying our solution from all the feedback and test results we got, we cut down the baskets overall frame (impacting its size) and the brackets to hold the frame, in which we substituted the 3D printed parts to metal brackets (refer to Figure 11 & 12).
When discussing the test plan and its execution, we used various methods, weighing the basket, performing a drop test, timing how “efficient” it is to open the basket, and also a variety of survey responses that were collected from our peers. The responses were oriented around the product's overall comfortability and design.
Figure 11: Test plan execution (Volume/capacity)
Figure 12: Drop test (test failed, which resulted in rethinking the design, leading to us using metal brackets instead of 3D printed ones)
As the project manager, I assumed a leadership role, overseeing tasks such as managing conflicts or design-making ties, hosting weekly meetings and check-ins, and initiating the creation of a preliminary Gantt chart to guide our project timeline. In the project's initial stages, our team collectively identified key factors crucial for the success of our device for our client. These factors included prioritizing ease of use, compatibility, reliability, and cost-efficiency to ensure our solution met the client's needs and it could be a solution that was realistically creatable within the given timeline, which was 6 weeks.
Throughout the project, my responsibilities consisted of task delegation during team meetings, ensuring each member had a defined role and clear objectives to work towards. Following each meeting, I engaged in discussions to recap progress made and outline next steps to maintain a steady progress. In terms of design tasks, I was in charge of ensuring all parts were printed and laser cut and dimensions were accurate, as well as buying some materials for the basket, and creating the CAD models for the hooks. When making the actual prototype, I was in charge of ensuring the design met all expectations and fulfilled all objectives, as well ensuring that no aspects of our test plan would fail on our final design.
File 1: Full report, highlighting and providing an in-depth inside on all works related to this project and its solutions
File 2: Final presentation, intended to aid in pitching the product
File 2: Final presentation, intended to aid in pitching the product
This project offered invaluable insights into the challenges of collaborative teamwork within subteams, as well as how to make decisions on the spot in a time-crunch scenario. Collaborating closely with my teammates, we refined our ability to collaborate and combine our design ideas, seamlessly integrating them into an effective and efficient solution. Leveraging my skill in AutoCAD modeling, I assisted in the development of the device's main body, as well as the supports.
My role as a project manager involved orchestrating team dynamics, delegating tasks, and fostering an effective communication system within the group. Leading our weekly meetings, I lead discussions on project progress, identified key milestones, and coordinated efforts to overcome challenges. Additionally, my involvement in decision-making processes enabled us to streamline workflows and maintain project momentum.
Engaging in constant discussions with team members provided opportunities to exchange ideas, address any concerns, and leverage our individual expertise towards problem-solving. As we executed our test plan, I oversaw the implementation of the testing procedures, ensuring it was done like how we planned and we knew what we were testing and what the results we’d obtain would interpret when it came to the design. Through iterative testing and refinement, we improved our design, addressing any discrepancies or issues encountered through the entire process.
Transitioning from a design concept to physical prototype presented its own set of challenges. While some obstacles arose during this, such as material availability and time constraints, our collaborative approach allowed us to navigate these issues effectively and rapidly.
To summarize, while reflecting on the project, I learned that effective project management, combined with group collaboration and strategic decision-making, are all crucial in achieving project goals, especially when the design is proposed to a client and potentially used in a real life scenario.
All images used are my personal images or taken by me, or group mates mentioned above, and those images are used with their consent and permission (Images are used for educational purposes)