SeatX - A Product Creation Journey of 3 IITians

CRAFTING: The final concept is further refined against various criteria like the use of material and manufacturing limitations. Depending on the user profile, the designer at this stage creates several style options and zeroes in on the one that addresses the aesthetics concerns in the best manner. The final product design is showcased by creating small scale mock-up models, CAD models or working prototypes. The final product which meets the product brief conditions is then taken up for mass production. SEATX: It is the object of the present invention to provide a transfer apparatus for moving persons: (a)can be used in confined spaces; (b) is easily transportable between locations; (c) transports users in a natural, comfortable, and dignified posture; (d) is easy to use; (e) feels secure and is not intimidating to the user; (f) requires minimal effort by a single care provider; (g) can be mounted on a standard wheelchair to provide a lift that allows the user the opportunity to partic...

  CONTEXT: Using the checklist the designer arrives at multiple ideas to resolve the problems listed. This is a very important stage which starts with conceiving ideas, grouping them into clusters, arriving at multiple concepts and finally zeroing in on one all encompassing concept.  SEATX: Clusters: Foldable chair : A product which can be used and handled in confined spaces and should be compact at the same time. The product should also be lightweight, therefore, light and durable metal (eg, aluminium) can be a good option. Advantages: Portable Compact Economical Safe to use Lightweight Disadvantages: Requires manual effort Laborious Immobile Multi-purpose stick : A handheld stick with mechanisms to move in the horizontal and vertical direction. This could be done through a height changing system on the rod and a self-adjusting stick foot that helps in the horizontal motion. Advantages: Portable Lightweight Compact Economical Movable Durable Disadvantages: Unsafe Difficult to...

  CHECKLIST: The check is essential to understand what requirements the product should ultimately cater to and what problems it should resolve. The check, which is a product brief is created from the design insights and is approved by the client. The product brief becomes the criterion for creating ideas and evaluating the concepts. SEATX: Portable: The product should be easy to carry while travelling Lightweight: A product with minimal weight which makes it easy to carry Compact: Easy to use in confined spaces  Movable: The product should be able to carry people from one place to another Durable: The product should be able to carry heavy  Comfortable: The seating and support should be comfortable  Economical: It makes sense only if the product is affordable multiple class of people Safe to Use: It is one of the primary concern as the elderly people should feel secure Minimal effort: As the elderly people are usually weak, it should require minimal effort for them to...

COMPREHENSION: The designer analyses all the information gathered and methodically lists out his observations and perceptions of the issues involved and the causes behind. The design insights thus arrived form the basis for the design intervention. SEATX: Major pieces of information gathered: Information: Problems for the elderly in terms of voluntary strength and joint mobility, leading to extreme pain Design Insight: The design should be able to seat the elderly comfortably and supply either spatial ease or strength-based ease (or both) to the elderly to make it easier for them to move out of a car Information: Height from seat-to-ground varies for each car Design Insight: The device should height-compatible Information: Elderly have high demands of comfort because of bone/muscle discomforts throughout their bodies Design Insight: The device should be able to provide comfort in terms of the shape of seating as well as the material used  Information: The elderly find the device sh...

CONTEXT: To study and understand the existing product or similar products in the market, the product scenario, its users, and pros and cons of the product as experienced by them. This is generally done by studying the available data and through interaction with all the users and stakeholders. SEATX: The ability of cartilage to heal decreases as a person gets older. Also, Weight increases pressure on all the joints, especially the knees. So, the problem is quite frequent and the three interviewees experienced it at some level Insights of User Interviews: User 1 Age: 70 Fitness Levels: Weak joints and muscles because of ageing Vehicle: Sedan Use Case: Lives in an urban locality and needs to travel in a car on a day to day basis over short distances Problems Faced: Find it difficult to squat frequently to get in and out of the car Additional Requirements from the solution: The product should be handy and lightweight User 2 Age: 60 Fitness Levels: Suffers from Osteoarthritis (a chronic dis...

  CAUSE:  Every design project is usually initiated by a need (be it a commercial requirement or a social necessity) or a problem with the product. This need or problem recognition is a key trigger for the project and it can be identified either by a product manufacturer/marketer, user, or even a product designer. SEATX: "One of the major reasons to work on this project comes from personal experience. My grandmother is very old and because of this, she faces difficulties in getting into and out of the car. The primary barriers identified are the doors and the height difference between ground and foot-rest of the vehicle. Due to this, we have to help her get out by lifting her physically. This whole process is very tedious for both, the elderly people and the helper. There should be some product which provides mobility and reduces the effort overall. A good product can make this whole process independent of both individuals." - Viren, a team co-founder Such emotional reasons a...