RE-DESIGNING A VERSATILE MOBILITY AID

ABSTRACT// The objective of the project discussed in this
article is the re-design of an existing standard axillary crutch. The
axillary crutch is a versatile prosthetic device, but has limited
function and little aesthetic value as a mobility aid for people
living with lower limb amputations. Here, designers work co-
creatively with a thirty-four year old female with an above the
knee amputation and consult with physiotherapists at the G.F.
Strong Rehabilitation Centre. The project considers the goal of
improved portability in the axillary crutch through explorations in
collapsibility. Tailored solutions for a specific co-creator, such as
providing personalized aesthetics in the device, are also defined.

KEYWORDS// Axillary Crutch, Re-design, Co-creation, Collaps-
ibility, Amputation, Prototyping, Aesthetic, Mobility Aid

INTRODUCTION// This project was part of a medical and assis-
tive care design course at the Emily Carr University of Art +
Design. In collaboration with professionals at the G.F. Strong
Rehabilitation Center, our team worked to redesign an existing
axillary crutch to better meet the needs of our co-creator, a thirty-
four year old female living with an above the knee amputation.
Through qualitative investigations of such a disability, including
co-creative activities with both a disabled individual and medi-
cal professionals, we intended to improve upon the design of the
axillary crutch.

Methods// In order to investigate and understand the physical and
emotional experience of a person with a disability, we engaged in
an exercise that meant temporarily disabling a limb over a period
of time. Our design team cast their bodies to inhibit limb func.
tion and then attempted to go about daily activities. This exercise
mentally prepared us to meet with our co-creator, whom we
interviewed to understand her needs and desires in a mobility
aid and her criticisms of existing products. We visited her home
to educate ourselves regarding her daily life, routine and needs
from this project. To further investigate mobility aids, we met
with medical professionals and conducted a literature search to

36 CURRENT

Angela Henderscoit ——

explore existing options, including pertinent side effects and
standard criticisms. We created numerous prototypes which
helped direct the physical outcome of the product. Through these
methods, several prominent constraints were identified. These
included navigating the potential for stress injuries associated
with extended axillary crutch use as well as considering portabil-
ity, collapsibility and crutch aesthetics.

FORMATIVE RESEARCH// Current Mobility Aids// Mobil-
ity aids for people living with lower limb amputations include
crutches, hinged prosthetic devices and wheelchairs. Pros-
thetics, wheelchairs, and crutches have unique functions and
enable those living with disabilities to navigate an able-bodied
environment. After some investigation, we realized that crutches
fall into two main categories: forearm and axillary. A visit to
G.F. Strong enabled us to examine both types of crutches, better
understanding the benefits and problems associated with each
of them. In discussion with a physiatrist at G.F. Strong we
understood that while the forearm crutch enables a longer stride
and a faster pace, many patients experience stress on the wrist,
resulting in fatigue with extended use. This is particularly com-
mon, given that forearm crutches are considered standard for
those with permanent disabilities. On the other hand, axil-
lary crutches are considered standard for those with temporary
injuries and are discouraged for those with permanent disabili-
ties. While they are easier to use, axillary crutches are associated
with brachial plexus injury, a condition colloquially known as
Crutch Palsy (Raikin and Froimson, 1997). Understanding the
positive and negative elements of the crutch was essential to glean
useful information from our co-creator in her experiential under-
standing of crutch use.

Collaboration// Co-creation and collaboration educates designers
while helping them manage constraints (Sanders and Stappers,
2008). The effectiveness of co-creation depends in part on the
setting in which one gathers information (Buchenau, 2000). We
chose several settings for collaboration and co-creation. An