Hip Wheelchairs
Hip Wheelchairs
Have you ever wondered why Wheelchairs have to be so boring? Designer Wai Lam is changing that with cool designs that make Wheelchairs stylish and fun. He describes, "I designed this as part of a study of having a wheelchair contain more personality; in this case, it has a pair of hollow cartoon-like legs, making it somewhat humorous and comical. The 'legs' also function to shelter the users' legs. Visually, I wanted it to function and look like a natural extension of the human body rather a chaos of metal clinging to the body."
Trend Themes
1. Stylish Wheelchair Designs - Designers are creating innovative, stylish wheelchair designs that transform a medical device into a fashion accessory.
2. Personalized Assistive Technology - Designers are personalizing assistive technology to better fit individuals' needs and preferences, and in the process making it more inclusive and less stigmatized.
3. Inclusive Design for Disabilities - Designers are focusing on inclusive design for disabilities, creating products that are accessible, functional, and stylish for people with disabilities to better integrate into society.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - There is an opportunity for medical device companies to partner with designers to improve the design and functionality of products like wheelchairs to enhance the patient experience.
2. Fashion - Fashion companies can partner with designers to create stylish and functional clothing that complements assistive technology like wheelchairs, making it more inclusive and mainstream.
3. Architecture and Transportation - Architects and transportation companies can work with designers to create accessible and inclusive spaces and vehicles that better accommodate people with disabilities and their assistive technology like wheelchairs.