The Right Approach |
02/10/18
Another post from my visit to the London Design Festival. I came across Wheels4U by Yaohan Gu at the Creative Unions graduates exhibition, Central Saint Martins.
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Many disabled people in China live in rural areas and can’t afford assistive products. Wheels4U is a low-cost children’s wheelchair that uses easily available, local objects such as children’s discarded bike parts and a plastic washbasin. It uses only screws and cable ties. Following the pictorial instruction book, wheelchairs can easily be assembled, adjusted and repaired by hand.
I think this ‘category’ of design is an interesting subject. When it comes to students final year projects, it seems as though there is some pressure chose to do something that will solve a big global problem. Degree show projects tend to be focused on design for the developing world or medical issues. In my opinion, projects are sometimes carried out with the wrong approach and result in something that is difficult to implement. But, I suppose such ‘big problems’ are going to be difficult to solve. Obviously, I think that everyone deserves access to great design. I am not saying that these topics shouldn’t be touched by designers. They often produce innovative outcomes that make a real difference. In fact, they’re generally the projects that I am most drawn to at exhibitions. I think Wheels4U is great design because Yaohan Gu really understood the consumer and context she was designing for. It gives people the resources to help themselves. They aren’t reliant on the money or expertise of anyone else. They are provided with complete understanding of the wheelchair, how it works and how the parts fit together. If it breaks, you can fix it. It’s design to aid others done right. It’s accessible. |
Source:
Creative Unions, London Design Festival
Creative Unions, London Design Festival