MyCover
for MyAddOn
The goal of this project is to make ugly, gray crutches more cheerful. There are already some existing solutions for this problem but none of them deliver good results. The only good solution is to buy custom designed crutches but these are very expensive especially when most people who use crutches have a pair of their own already. The final design has to be an 'accessory' for existing crutches and has to have a reasonable price.
Determining design requirements
product is customizable (color, patterns...)
product can't hinder ergonomics and functionality of existing crutches
product needs to be as light as possible
product has to fit as many different crutches as possible
easy installation of the product by the user
product is easy to clean/resistant to dirt
product doesn't get damaged in everyday use
product has to be as cheap as possible
product can be used for crutches and canes
product doesn't damage crutch after removal
product is easy to remove
product is reusable
product adds layer of protection for the crutch
product can be seen in the dark
product can be personalized
Research about existing solutions
Most of the available designs are either custom made crutches for at least $40 per crutch or they are some sort of sleeve but it doesn't look good.
Initial sketching
The first phase of the process is sketching and brainstorming on some ideas. The next step is to start prototyping different concepts and ideas.
Prototyping
First round of prototyping
Using a big sticker to cover the crutches with a nice design.
Second round of prototyping
Exploring new ways of covering the crutch and experimenting with new materials.
Final round of prototyping
Deciding the final material and exploring size variations of the sleeve.
Final design
The final concept is a sleeve made of lycra. Lycra is a durable fabric that has a good amount of stretch to fit around any crutch or cane with almost any length. The sleeve slides over the length of the crutch easily and can be removed without damage to the crutch or cane. This way, the sleeves are interchangeable and reusable.
Finalizing the design for production
mock-up of the size and pattern of the lycra fabric with stitching
The last part of this internship was meeting up with a lycra salesman who explained all the types of fabrics and helped choose a good fabric for the product. Since then, the production of the MyCover has been decided and the product is now being sold on the website of MyAddOn.
