Atık Malzemelerden Kullanıcı Tarafından Ortaklaşa Yaratılan Kaymaz Baston Ucu Mobilite Güvenliğini Artırıyor

Özet (abstract)

Assistive mobility devices are critical enablers of independence, autonomy, and social participation for individuals with locomotor disabilities; however, their effectiveness is often constrained by the performance of key components such as crutch tips. Conventional rubber tips frequently exhibit rapid wear, limited traction, and poor adaptability to diverse real-world terrains, resulting in increased slip incidents, reduced user confidence, and compromised safety. This study proposes and validates a user-co-created, anti-slip crutch tip developed using a waste-derived wood–rubber composite. The design integrates principles of human-centered design, participatory co-creation, frugal innovation, circular economy, and contextual design. The development process was grounded in real-world user engagement; iterative prototyping; and field-based evaluation across multiple surface conditions, including wet, muddy, gravel, and concrete environments. Comparative field observations and participant evaluations (N = 19) indicated substantial improvements over conventional rubber tips, including a roughly threefold increase in perceived traction, an estimated 70% to 75% reduction in slip-related risk derived from comparative FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) and field observations, and a six- to eightfold increase in usable lifespan estimated from participant-reported replacement frequency and photographic wear documentation. User evaluations indicate strong acceptance, with over 80% preference and marked improvements in perceived safety, confidence, and usability. These findings reflect promising design performance and user acceptance derived from field-based and participant-reported data rather than controlled laboratory or biomechanical measurements. This study contributes a replicable framework for inclusive mobility innovation, demonstrating how the integration of material sustainability, user insight, and real-world validation can enable scalable solutions that enhance safety, dignity, and independence in low-resource settings.

Yazarların özeti; kaynağından alınmıştır. The International Journal of Designed Objects, 2026 · DOI ↗