Embedded Files
May 6th, 2024
Section 15 Team 3
Introduction
The user testing included team members Reese Wu, Sydney Smith, Kay Tu, and Yuru Wu. Team members served as proxy users for the purposes of testing our mockups. This evaluation of three innovative wheelchair mockups—designed to enhance stability and balance—took place over multiple sessions in the first week of May 2024. The testing environments included both indoor settings at the Segal Prototyping Lab and diverse outdoor locations, ensuring a broad simulation of different environmental conditions.
Methodology
We have evaluated three mockups in our testing session to assess their effectiveness in enhancing both stability and user comfort. The three designs include: the Adjustable Weight Bag, strategically positioned beneath the wheelchair seat to distribute weight evenly; the Back Wheel Support with Training Wheels, mounted to the rear to improve stability; and the Weight Balance Calculator. Although it has been determined that creating a functional software for testing is currently not feasible, conceptually, the Weight Balance Calculator remains a sophisticated tool designed to provide recommendations on optimal weight distribution based on detailed user inputs.
During the testing phase, participants engaged in a series of well-defined tasks that included attaching and detaching the weight bag and training wheels, as well as navigating a specially designed obstacle course featuring a variety of ramps and turns. To ensure the accuracy of data collection, each activity was precisely timed. Additionally, team members, simulating the role of actual users, were tasked with evaluating each activity's ease of use and overall effectiveness, rating them on a scale from 1 to 10. This methodical approach was crucial for gathering reliable feedback on the functionality and user-friendliness of the tested elements.
Mockup I: Adjustable Weight Bag Evaluation
Objective:
The primary aim of this mockup was to test how adding weight bag to the bottom of the wheelchair affect the stability of the wheelchair
Materials Used:
Weight bags of varying weights (one bag of 1 kg, one bag of 2 kg, and two bags of 5 kg)
Team Composition
Setup Personnel: Sydney Smith, Kay Tu, Yuru Wu
Tester: Reese Wu
Setup Process:
The setup involved temporarily securing a weight bag to the wheelchair’s lower structure using duct tape. This initial method was intended to provide a preliminary understanding of weight distribution impacts on the wheelchair's balance and mobility. The team experimented with various placements of the weight bag on the support bar to identify the most effective balance point. During this phase, different weights were tested for their efficacy in enhancing stability while maintaining the wheelchair's operational flexibility.
Observations and Adjustments:
The weight bag’s position was adjusted multiple times to evaluate which spot provided the best enhancement in stability without compromising the wheelchair’s functionality.
The process involved assessing the ease of movement and stability as the weights and their positions were varied.
Challenges and Improvements
The initial use of duct tape was a temporary solution; the team acknowledges the need for developing a more robust attachment mechanism.
Future iterations will explore the integration of a modular attachment system that could include predefined markings or settings on the wheelchair frame. This system would allow for quick adjustments and optimal weight placement tailored to individual user scenarios.
Open Questions
What is the ideal position for the weight bag to optimize stability?
What is the optimal weight that should be placed on the wheelchair?
How can the attachment process be streamlined to facilitate easier adjustments by users?
Conclusion
The preliminary testing highlighted the potential benefits of the Adjustable Weight Bag in enhancing wheelchair stability. However, it also underscored the necessity for a more sophisticated attachment system to accommodate different user needs and scenarios. The insights gained from this mockup will guide further refinement of the design to ensure both enhanced functionality and user-friendliness.
Results
Adjustable Weight Bag
Mockup II: Back Wheel Support with Training Wheels
Back Wheel Support with Training Wheels
Figure 1: Setups for Mockup Back Wheel Support with Training Wheels
Discussion
The evaluation of our wheelchair enhancement prototypes yielded several key insights and actionable recommendations. The Adjustable Weight Bag proved effective in improving stability; however, it would benefit from a more user-friendly handling mechanism, specifically on a more structured and streamlined attachment process. Similarly, the Back Wheel Support with Training Wheels significantly improved stability, but there is room to refine its size and aesthetics to better integrate with the wheelchair's design. Based on these findings, we propose the development of quick-release mechanisms for both the weight bag and the training wheels to simplify adjustments for users.
Page updated
Report abuse