Post Idea Documentation

April 18, 2024

After observing each area of interest each team member generated ideas for, we decided to pursue the uneven weight distribution between the front and back of the wheelchairs and walkers that Shriners Children’s uses. We decided to focus on this issue because it was a primary concern that Ms. Urban brought to our attention, and we had the most thorough and robust ideas on how we could possibly solve this issue. Throughout this process, we utilized “How might we” statements and questions to determine how we might best aid Shriners Children’s to care for their patients in the safest and most efficient manner.

When considering the ideas that each of us produced, we first consolidated all of our ideas into a single document and noted each instance where we repeated the same or similar ideas. We then each privately ranked the top five ideas that we would like to continue exploring, as well as noted our top reasons why we liked these ideas. With each of the ideas that we selected, each team member also sketched their own vision of how that idea might look in a physical product. Next, we discussed together as a team our top ideas, and formed a list of primary consolidated ideas which can be found at the end of this document. Many of us mentioned the same solutions in our list, and we then determined which of these ideas we believed would be most feasible to us in the time and financial constraints imposed upon us. Our primary consolidated list includes eight ideas that we would like to pursue and product mockups for in the near future. After further research and feedback regarding available materials, design feasibility while maintaining the validity of the halo traction device, etc. we plan to choose one of these ideas to develop into our final product and deliverable.

Primary Consolidated Ideas

Weighted front wheels

Anti-tip training wheels

Broaden the base of the wheelchair

Smaller, heavier clip-on weights that are easily secured

Stabilization weight system: automatic balance detection

Adjustable weight storage underneath the wheelchair seat

Hollow design of rods in the back of walker/chair

Behavioral: provide the patients instruction on how to balance more effectively