Be the eyes of a wheelchair

Was es macht

A detachable wheelchair light for safe night use. It enhances visibility and supports independent mobility for users

Deine Inspiration

One night, I saw a man in a wheelchair moving alone under dim streetlights with a barely visible bike light. He looked brave—but vulnerable. I wondered: why should his freedom depend on daylight? Research showed most mobility lights were for bikes or sports—not daily wheelchair use. No product truly addressed nighttime needs for wheelchair users. That gap sparked the idea. If no one made it for them, maybe I should. This project wasn’t born from novelty, but from a real, long-ignored need.

So funktioniert es

This light was designed with one core goal: to be easily usable by people with limited hand strength. Instead of hard clips or precise motions, it uses a soft Velcro system—attach or remove it in seconds, without needing grip strength or finger control. Inside, a built-in rubber lining adds tension and friction. It prevents slipping, keeping the light steady whether on smooth pavement or rough streets. It holds gently, but firmly—like a helping hand. By combining Velcro for accessibility and rubber for stability, the design honors both physical limitations and personal dignity. This isn’t tech that excludes—it’s intuitive, universal design. The light doesn’t ask for strength. It gives it back.

Designprozess

This project began from a real need—not a concept. One evening, I saw a man in a wheelchair navigating a dark street with only a small bike light. He looked brave, but under-supported. It raised a question: Why should mobility become more dangerous for wheelchair users just because it's dark? Research revealed that most night lights are made for bikes or sports—not for everyday wheelchair use. There was a clear gap in design consideration for nighttime mobility. I developed a solution specifically for wheelchair users, prioritizing ease of use for those with limited grip strength. The prototype uses a Velcro-based system with an inner rubber lining, allowing simple attachment while maintaining firm grip—even on curved frames. Testing focused on usability, stability, and light angle retention. When slipping occurred on round surfaces, I curved the internal rubber and improved the lock mechanism to withstand vibration. Each iteration improved performance. ChatGPT helped clarify logic and storytelling throughout development. The final prototype is 3D printed in PLA, with a finished surface via sanding and putty. It offers more than just illumination—it restores control, dignity, and safe independence in the dark.

Warum es anders ist

What makes this product original is not just what it does—but who it’s made for. Most mobility lights are adapted from bike or sport gear, assuming strong hands and fast movement. But wheelchair users often face very different needs—especially at night. This design starts from the user outward, not the market inward. The Velcro strap requires no finger strength, and the rubber lining fits curved frames securely and easily. It doesn’t just focus on brightness or range. It prioritizes safety, dignity, and emotional comfort—giving users control in moments they often feel unseen. This isn’t a modified product. It’s one born from their reality. That’s what makes it truly original: it listens before it designs.

Pläne für die Zukunft

The next step is refining the design through real-world testing. I plan to develop versions for different wheelchair types, including powered models, and add waterproofing and sensor-based auto lighting. User collaboration is key. Their feedback will guide every detail—from mounting angles to battery life. Form must follow logic, not just aesthetics. This isn’t a one-time concept. My goal is to create a product that’s affordable, durable, and emotionally meaningful. Because this isn’t just a light— it’s the first step toward making the dark less lonely.

Auszeichnungen

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