Ideation and prototyping

Made For My Wheelchair

A project by Makea Industries GmbH, Fablab Berlin and be able e.V., funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Why

We started the project with the following questions:

How might we support and enrich the everyday life experience of wheelchair users?

How might we help wheelchair users take the initiative in tackling daily challenges using the inclusive design process and rapid prototyping technologies?

What

“Made for my wheelchair” was a one-year project in which we worked as a team including wheelchair users, engineers, makers, and designers. We developed open-source wheelchair add-ons through an inclusive design process.

Out of all the ideas and prototypes, two products gained the most resonance amongst users and makers - OPEN LIGHTS and OPEN TRAILER.

• OPEN LIGHT - a modular lighting system for wheelchairs

  A big challenge in the everyday life of wheelchair users is lighting - it’s difficult to see under weather conditions like fog, rain, and when it’s dark. It’s likewise important to be seen by the ongoing traffic when the visibility is compromised. Although it is at least as important for wheelchair users as for cyclers, you hardly find lighting products for wheelchairs on the market.

  Besides the functional aspect, wheelchair users would like their lighting to be smart and fun, like a fashion statement.

  We developed OPEN LIGHTS for wheelchairs that can be built with the most common DIY technologies. The components can be ordered online and produced with 3D printers and laser cutters. Users can pick their favorite colors and shapes and even program the lighting modes themselves.

  Download the instructions or view online.

• OPEN TRAILER - a transportation aid for wheelchairs

  Whether during work commute and grocery shopping or during long-distance traveling by train or by plane, wheelchair users wish to become more independent at carrying personal items.

  The open trailer has proven to be a successful add-on for electric wheelchairs users. It can be built with materials costing less than 100 EUR. The components can be prepared through CNC-milling. The 3D file is customizable for different wheelchair models and in different styles.

  Download the instructions here.

How

The project was led in three phases: “Scout”, “Make” and “Share”.

During the first phase, “Scout”, we conducted user research, identified the needs that we would later address - transport and storage, driving in the snow, and lighting.

During the “Make“ phase, we further ideated around each of the selected user needs and developed prototypes. We then did user testing and product iteration. We produced instructions for DIY production.

During the “Share” phase, we launched the products on open-source platforms. The designs and files can be downloaded for free under the Creative Commons License. We presented the project at re:publica Berlin, festival for the digital society and at REHA care, a trade fair for rehabilitation and inclusion in Düsseldorf, Germany.