STANDALONE

What it does

STANDALONE aims to solve the three most pertinent issues we identified with classic forearm crutches- their stigmatizing appearance which is negatively connotated by society, their ergonomic shortcomings and their inability to stand freely on level ground.

Your inspiration

Despite the fact that millions of people rely on crutches at any point in time globally, their design has remained largely unchanged for the last century. The very object designed to restore mobility and independence is in itself, so restrictive that its very name has become associated with dependence and incapability. This is largely due to their appearance but also some key shortcomings in their use and function which we believed to be able to improve upon. This motivated us to explore innovative design approaches, looking to make improvements in materiality, aesthetics, ergonomics and function.

How it works

The primary objective was to redesign the forearm crutch, addressing its long-standing stigmatized design. Research indicates that people struggle to connect with traditional crutches, leading to device abandonment and hindering the healing process, especially for permanent users. Our solution involves using high-end, user-centric materials and a sleek design that challenges the appearance of the conventional forearm crutch. Customizability and repairability are key aspects of the design, with easily replaceable parts. In terms of improved functionality, the goal was to enable the crutch to stand freely on level ground, eliminating the need for support from walls or corners to lean them against when not in use. Our innovative system allows users to extend adaptable feet at the crutch‘s base and retract them at will.

Design process

After confirming our design requirements as mentioned above, we started our design process by producing a variety of sketches to look for a shape that matched our expectations. Once we had decided upon the ring shaped handle and the tapering foot, we began deciding what materials we would use to combine the individual components. We then moved into CAD, where we modeled the crutch and the other components such as the compliant mechanism for the cuff. This part alone went through about 12 iterations before reaching its final form, with all the previous models being FDM printed using PLA to quickly test flexibility and sizing. We had a die machined from steel into which we would later cast molten aluminum to shape our connecting "backbone" to which all other components connected. The self standing mechanism was also devised and improved upon iteratively, with smaller tests including pivot placement, actuation force, area needed for self-standing and so on. The last step was to manufacture the main legs from acorn wood, which we dyed to show the customisation possibilities of the product. The final assembly involved a lot of adjusting, screwing, sanding and fitting which when complete resulted in the crutch as it is now.

How it is different

STANDALONE combats the stigmatism surrounding the use of classical crutches. Through a distinct break in material and looks, the product clearly separates itself aesthetically from the cold, clinical and unemotional appearance of regular crutches. The compliant mechanism contained in the forearm cuff grips the user securely when weight is applied to it, providing further support during use. The round handle with the silicone rubber inlay conforms to the hand comfortably and provides an ergonomic gripping angle during use. When deployed, the feet fold out and can be pushed into position where they snap into place and allow the crutch to be placed freely standing on level ground. This was the main issue regarding crutch use that we identified through personal experience - the constant need for a wall or corner to lean them against during daily tasks such as cooking, washing hands, paying at the cashier and so on.

Future plans

STANDALONE proved to us that it is possible to fundamentally change the way an object is perceived through its appearance. We believe that through further optimisation, the self standing mechanism could be refined to a point where its reliability suffices to be used in conjunction with a medical device such as a crutch, but as it is now, we fear the complexity is too great for viable market use. However, we believe in the need for a customisable and aesthetically appealing crutch and plan to continue pushing further in the field with our design.

Awards

Finalist for the RIMOWA Student Design Award 2025.