Universal Walking Cane
Universal Walking Cane
A cane concept 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
"When I hurt my knee, I had to use a cane to walk until it healed enough for me to walk without it again... It was astounding to me how many people stopped and stared at me, simply because I didn't 'look crippled'..."
"I have mobility problems and for a while I was using a cane, and I never could quite feel comfortable on it in public."
"I have found that personalizing my mobility equipment helped a lot because it didn't look as clinical."
"You need to use both hands (standing at a cashier's counter for instance) you can hook the cane across your arm instead of having to look for a place to put it."
"Most people are very resistant to the idea of canes, so the best one is the one they'll actually use. Getting one that is the right height and is visually appealing to the user goes a long way."
"The handle is unbearable. It's hard plastic and digs into the heel of my hand to the point I had a bruise after using it for 4+ hours."
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
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
Design Consistency
design consistency was achieved by incorporating two specific inflection points in both the grip and the foot
debossed logo
various colorways encourage personal connection through aesthetic choice that match OXO's existing color palette
Colorways
Universal Walking Cane
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