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Parrot Pack

A double-sided wheelchair storage bag that can be attached to the handle of a wheelchair in a single swoop! Named after the parrot fabric used in the design, the Parrot Pack was made as a solution to inadequate storage space on wheelchairs. It was manufactured by sewing.

Understanding the Problem

During a project-based class with a focus on assistive technology my group was partnered with Abby.

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The wheelchairs used by our project partner had storage in inconvenient locations like under the wheelchair. Her personal solution was attaching a backpack behind her wheelchair. She asked that our solution attach to the wheelchair arm to make it easily accessible

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On market solutions that attached to wheelchair handles were mostly one-sided, but the handle’s geometry could accommodate a dual-sided bag which would increase the amount of storage space.

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Over the span of 10 weeks, I did an individual exploration along with a team project to research and develop a custom storage bag that uses a novel looping mechanism to attach to her wheelchair's arms. 

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 Sketching Brainstorm

Single Sided storage solution
 

Allows for outward facing storage while preserving room on her seat cushion

Maximizes storage space by using both sides of the wheelchair handle.

Double Sided storage solution
 
"Interlooping" attachment
 

Creates a more accessbile attachment method for individuals with low dexteriy.

Prototype - Form Factor

Single-Sided 
 
Double-Sided 
 
Rough prototyping of the double and single sided bag revealed that a double sided bag maximized storage space without majorly intruding on seat space and we decided to move forward with this selection

Prototype - Attachment

The first prototype (1) was a proof of concept I developed to discover whether the mechanism was feasible and if Velcro was a strong enough adhesive to secure it. The second prototype was dimensioned to her wheelchair handle to test the space it would occupy. Lastly, the third prototype (3) was focused on order of operations and manufacturability.

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The third prototype was replicated with canvas materials, a parrot print selected by our project partner, hence the product name "Parrot Pack".

(1)

(2)

(3)

Final Design

Reflections

  • Importance of meeting with a community partner and understanding the core of the problem
  • Planning accordingly for a learning curve when a design involves new skills 
  • It's ok to "reinvent the wheel" if this reinvention creates a more accessible product
  • ​Be purposeful with selecting prototype fidelity to save time and answer your questions

Acknowledgements

  • My Team Members, Dylan Moore, Makayla Brown, Carlos

  • Project Partner, Abby

  • Stanford University, David L. Jaffe

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