ROMAD

A Rollator to fit your lifestyle

Mobility is the ability to move and be moved. This becomes increasingly important whilst one ages, whether it be freely or with the assistance of a walking device. As much of the older population chooses to age in place, mobility and its restriction becomes more crucial to bodily health and overall well being.

Design Criteria

As the Babyboomers (largest generational demographic within the USA) approach retirement, they are reconfiguring the lifestyle of the typical retiree. Many are choosing to age in place and are leading more active lives in accordance with new health recommendations. Its has been noted that inactivity leads to higher medical cost, which must be cautioned as many opt out of relocating to supervised facilities. While walking is the most common form of physical activity, many within this population utilize assistive walking devices. Thereby, this design solution aims to encourage seniors to actively age in place by exploring the topic through the following criteria: Portability, Transformability, Varied-Mobility, All-Terrain Compatibility.

Lightweight

All Terrain

Portability

Varied-Mobility

Concept Development

Addressing the outlined criteria became a task coupled with combating the stigma of aging. As many baby boomers lead active independent lifestyles, the time has come to reimage the aesthetic of assistive walking devices, in particular, the rollator. The perception of the rollator suffers from the association of the elderly population and that of an inactive lifestyle. In rethinking the aesthetics of this typology an opportunity is created to meet expressive form with the functionality of the rollator. Meanwhile creating a form which can adapt to different life scenarios, from the park to the recreation center.

Design Solution

Through the exploration of form, a rollator was created to complement an active lifestyle. Featuring, large swivel wheels and a lightweight frame, a solution was founded which could handle various terrains, functioning well outdoors, as well as indoors. Research was conducted to propose durable and anti-microbial materials which would be high quality, and transformable, ensuring collapsibility and ease of transport.