My story as a designer, unlike most, starts with a typical upbringing enjoying the sciences and mathematics. I pursued a career in engineering, but soon found myself working as a graphic designer for a school organization. The farther I got, the more I realized that engineering wasn’t for me. I found myself putting more time into my designs than into my supposed future career. After finishing my degree, I found myself at a crossroad. I found Humber by chance while considering a Masters and thought it was the perfect combination of my skills.
The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.
ZETA is an original concept aimed at pushing the boundaries of adaptive climbing equipment and accessibility among persons with disabilities.
Designed specifically for those with paraplegia, ZETA offers a unique opportunity to create functional mobility in the user’s legs in the context of rock climbing. This wearable piece of technology creates a third point of contact on a climbing wall to improve the user’s balance and strength distribution while climbing.
ZETA blends the distinction between medical device and adaptive sports equipment.
Taking inspiration from exoskeletons and climbing gear, ZETA aims to blend aesthetic appeal with functional assistance. The distinctive orange accents represent various touchpoints and moving components. ZETA has two modes of interaction. They are voice commands and manual activation. Depending on the situation these two modes can be used interchangeably.
Great consideration was taken into account when it comes to the ergonomics and human factors.
As a higher end athletic product, adjustability to match different sizes was crucial. There are four key levels of adjustability with ZETA. They are: waist depth, thigh length, calf length, and foot size. Each measurement can be custom tailored to a wide variety of individuals making a perfect fit every time.
ZETA uses sustainable materials wherever applicable. This includes recycled nylon fibres for any fabric materials.
Due to the nature of the product, the goal was to create a product that would be able to span across multiple users. This means using higher quality materials to increases the lifespan of the product. In addition, because of its high adjustability, this product could be bought by gym owners that may offer adaptive climbing services.
Rock climbing has become increasingly popular in recent years and has garnered a lot of attention in the media especially after its debut in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Climbing as a sport offers full body activation and mental benefits. However, those with physical impairments are unable to fully experience everything that climbing has to offer. Current products and technologies such as traditional harnesses and climbing walls are primarily targeted to able-bodied users but innovation towards adaptive climbing products is lacking. At its core, climbing is an individual sport. Those with physical impairments lack the ability to be independent. How can we make the climbing experience more independent for these users? Overall, how can we further enhance the sense of accomplishment for those feeling inadequate about their lack of mobility?
Nick Beneventi
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