User-Co-Created Anti-Slip Waste-Derived Wood–Rubber Crutch Tip for Inclusive Assistive Technologies

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.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. The International Journal of Designed Objects, 2026 · DOI ↗