Parrot Pack
Parrot Pack
Research
On market solutions that attached to wheelchair handles were mostly one-sided, either on the inside or outside of the chair. We decided to do a dual-sided bag and make use of the handle’s geometry to increase the amount of storage space.
Over the span of 10 weeks, our team researched and developed a custom storage bag that uses a novel looping mechanism to attach to her wheelchair's arms.
On market solutions that attached to wheelchair handles were mostly one-sided, either on the inside or outside of the chair. We decided to do a dual-sided bag and make use of the handle’s geometry to increase the amount of storage space.
Over the span of 10 weeks, our team researched and developed a custom storage bag that uses a novel looping mechanism to attach to her wheelchair's arms.
Context
During a project-based class with a focus on assistive technology my group was partnered with Abby.
The wheelchairs used by our project partner had storage in inconvenient locations like under the wheelchair. Her personal solution was attaching a backpack behind her wheelchair. She asked that our solution attach to the wheelchair arm to make it easily accessible
Context
During a project-based class with a focus on assistive technology my group was partnered with Abby.
The wheelchairs used by our project partner had storage in inconvenient locations like under the wheelchair. Her personal solution was attaching a backpack behind her wheelchair. She asked that our solution attach to the wheelchair arm to make it easily accessible
Development Process
My responsibility was in designing the method in which it attached to the chair. I developed an alternative attachment method that allowed the bag out to wrap around itself to secure in place.
I developed a series of prototypes from a proof of concept to a dimensionally accurate back and lastly one focused on order of operations and manufacturability.
As a group we replicated the last prototype and sewed it using canvas material, fleece, and bag clips. The parrot print was selected by our project partner, hence the product name "Parrot Pack".
Project Type:
4 Person Team Class Project
Timeline:
10 weeks
A double-sided wheelchair storage bag that can be attached to the handle of a wheelchair in a single swoop! Named after the parrot fabric used in the design, the Parrot Pack was made as a solution to inadequate storage space on wheelchairs. It was manufactured by sewing.
A double-sided wheelchair storage bag that can be attached to the handle of a wheelchair in a single swoop! Named after the parrot fabric used in the design, the Parrot Pack was made as a solution to inadequate storage space on wheelchairs. It was manufactured by sewing.
Key Skills:
User Interviews, Accessibility Design, Prototyping, Soft Goods
Key Skills:
User Interviews, Accessibility Design, Prototyping, Soft Goods
Timeline:
10 weeks
Results
Learnings + Future Work
It's ok to "reinvent the wheel" if this reinvention creates a more accessible product
Importance of meeting with a project partner and understanding the core of the problem
Planning accordingly for a learning curve when a design involves new skills.
Be purposeful with selecting prototype fidelity to save time and answer your questions
The Parrot Pack was a success! It was great to design a product with a clear end user and design based on research I conducted in person.
It would have been nice to create a more refined design, but as a group it was our first time sewing. Our product is functional, but for duration it would need to be fabricated professionally. This fabrication would probably result in adaptations to the design.
Development Process
My responsibility was in designing the method in which it attached to the chair. I developed an alternative attachment method that allowed the bag out to wrap around itself to secure in place.
I developed a series of prototypes from a proof of concept to a dimensionally accurate back and lastly one focused on order of operations and manufacturability.
As a group we replicated the last prototype and sewed it using canvas material, fleece, and bag clips. The parrot print was selected by our project partner, hence the product name "Parrot Pack".
Results
The Parrot Pack was a success! It was great to design a product with a clear end user and design based on research I conducted in person.
It would have been nice to create a more refined design, but as a group it was our first time sewing. Our product is functional, but for duration it would need to be fabricated professionally. This fabrication would probably result in adaptations to the design.
Learnings + Future Work
It's ok to "reinvent the wheel" if this reinvention creates a more accessible product
Importance of meeting with a project partner and understanding the core of the problem
Planning accordingly for a learning curve when a design involves new skills.
Be purposeful with selecting prototype fidelity to save time and answer your questions