Designing with care, curiosity, and intention
Universal Walking Cane
Universal Walking Cane
Design a cane using OXO’s design language and values to reduce the visual stigma of living with a disability while providing universal ergonomic features
area of opportunity
Common Painpoints
Flat foot but used at angle
Rounded handle is uncomfortable
Medical aesthetic
Design Goals
the cane should conveniently integrate into a variety of environments as well as the user’s lifestyle
the cane should address basic ergonomics and avoid clear painpoints
the cane should not be user specific and cater to a universal demographic
Form Studies
widest part of grip is too far back, and form is too long
grip is not wide enough for downward pressure
allows cane to stand alone but is harder to walk with
form is too tall
the flow to the foot doesn't match handle design
nice wide base
better flow to
cane pole
form is too stout
Features
Design Consistency
design consistency was achieved by incorporating two specific inflection points in both the grip and the foot
fluid transition from grip to pole
extended rubber to create friction when resting and not in use
wide grip ideal for downward pressure
warm wood to differentiate from medical aesthetic
rounded foot to increase surface area when used at an angle
debossed logo
various colorways encourage personal connection through aesthetic choice that match OXO's existing color palette
Colorways
