The focus of the course was to study how color could impact the value and function of a product.
I wanted to improve the emotional value of a wheelchair because most wheelchairs in the market are focused on functionality; rarely do these products put consideration into the fact that the wheelchair is an item that is very personal for the user as they rely on it and interact with it everyday.
I felt like the emotional value of most wheelchairs were neglected and I hoped to bridge that gap with my design.
Project Brief
Wheelchair Design
The form of the wheelchair is inspired from power seats, (such as a throne, or a boss' chair) to empower the sitter. The structure allows as much airiness, to convey a lightweight feel in contrast to bulky, entrapping wheelchairs. Also the airflow from the structure prevents the user from feeling stuffy, or itchy, as caused by many wheelchairs that come in black, boxy, leather form and materials.
The wheelchairs come in highly customizable color ways to give the user the choice of expression through selection. I believe this gives the wheelchair more personal value as choosing the wheelchair's color attributes the users style and personality to the object.
The wide range of color combination also gives the user more social flexibility as they may be able to choose a wheelchair color that is appropriate for different social circumstances. (work place, leisure life, parties, etc)
