SAFE STEP (2019)
With Maci Prescott, Isha Pradhan, Evan Fischoff, Zachary Brothers, Angus Fraser; Advised by Prof. Robert Shepherd
Safe Step is our mechanical engineering senior design project. We designed and prototyped a step stool for senior citizens to access tough-to-reach locations in a residential setting. Our goal is to inspire confidence in its users to reach for new heights. Product features include: safe and secure platform, wheels for mobility with force-activated stoppers for stability when in use, and collapsible and adjustable handle for easy storage and customized support.
Our design process, merging human-centered design and system engineering tools, includes:
Conducting interviews and empathy field work with senior citizens at senior homes
Applying design thinking framework to unpack our data, define the problem, and brainstorm solutions
Using a Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) survey to understand consumer behavior and preferences
Performing Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to identify critical implementation points
Integrating insights from 14 user evaluations of our initial prototype for our final prototype