We collaborated with our friend and former colleague, Steven Vordenberg to design a pair of crutches to assist in his rehabilitation and daily activities. Together we have reimagined the crutch as a lifestyle product that inspires, motivates, and enables its users to traverse the world around them.
Understanding Our User
Steven is a former design manager and close friend of Farm. As someone managing a long-term disability, he faces challenges that impact mobility as well as his grip and dexterity. Steven needed an adaptive crutch that would enable him to achieve his goals and aspirations of gaining increased independence and access to the people and places he loves.
At Farm we use a human centered design approach to gain a deep understanding of our users and stakeholders. Steven needed a crutch that would allow independent donning & doffing and the ability to use his hands when needed. Our team brainstormed ways to allow for a customizable grip, wrist alignment, and weight bearing configurations to accommodate Steven’s needs as well as others with similar challenges.
Prototyping & Testing
Once we gained a deeper understanding of our user’s unique needs and challenges, we created a series of usable prototypes which we tested with our expert user. Prototyping is an invaluable part of our process, allowing us to quickly iterate through our ideas in a usable physical form.
Models were designed to be fully adjustable to test a range of positions and settings. Through this process, our team worked to solidify the architecture which became the foundation for the design effort.
Building a Vision
Focusing on Stevens love for the outdoors and his aspirations to expand his boundaries, “The Trailblazer” took inspiration from outdoor equipment and products one might find on the trail, while maintaining a level of refinement that Steven has been known for as a designer. Our mission was to create a crutch that would inspire him to get out and move, much in the way a running shoe can inspire someone to get out and run.
Pulling inspiration from far outside of the medical space, the color, material, and finish (CMF) of each design aims to remove the stigma of a mobility aid. At Farm, we create holistic, thoughtfully designed products, curating each detail and interaction point. No detail is too small.
Brand Development
The name “TRAVERSE” is a nod to Steven’s drive for movement and forward progress. His relentless attitude toward self-improvement and his desire to traverse the world with independence is captured in the brand. Each concept represents this ethos differently, but the founding principles are the same.
The Trailblazer
An outdoor mobility aid must be comfortable, rugged, and dependable. Designed to get Steven back outdoors, “The Trailblazer” forearm crutch is fully equipped to tackle the road ahead with confidence.
Exploring ways to lighten the structure by creating a truss-like frame and using carbon fiber poles helped to enable an athletic lifestyle. Incorporating materials commonly found in outdoor products transforms a stigmatized device into an empowering tool.
Many crutches can be a challenge to put on, especially for those with dexterity limitations. “The Trailblazer” is as easy to put on as a shirt sleeve, while providing the rigidity and stability needed in a mobility aid. The removable wrist strap adds additional security, for longer periods of use, which is ideal for more challenging terrain.
Stretched fabric over a rigid frame creates a snug sleeve-like enclosure, creating a nest for the forearm to rest on, while providing breathability. A “Lifocork” bio-composite handle has moisture wicking properties for enhanced comfort. “The Trailblazer” also allows for a range of adjustability including pole length, pole angle, handle angle and position.
As Steven builds strength and confidence, his gait and posture may change, requiring the crutch to adapt with him. By creating an adaptive crutch using inclusive design principals, “The Trailblazer” can help others with similar mobility needs.
