I am an industrial designer crafting products that transcend function. I aim to forge a personal relationship between the user and the object, making my designs an intuitive and integral part of their life.
Aora
Aora is a device designed to promote the safety and independence of our growing elderly population. It directly addresses the significant fall risk associated with the sit-to-stand process by removing the need for external assistance, a major concern with current solutions.
This product helps to reduce the immense burden on the NHS, which spends approximately £4 billion annually on fall-related injuries, the majority of which occur in the 65+ age group. Furthermore, it mitigates the substantial financial burden that individuals face when forced to transition into care homes after such incidents.
By providing reliable support, Aura allows users to remain in their own loving and comfortable homes for longer, without sacrificing their independence. Ultimately, Aura helps to create a crucial balance between the extended lifespan given by modern medicine and the quality of life required for dignified, graceful ageing.
Aora’s sophisticated system comprises over 20 integrated components, including linear actuators, LiDAR, force sensors, drive motors with regenerative capability, and a central battery pack. This complex assembly works in unison to deliver three key functions that define the user experience:
Autonomous Navigation: Leveraging its LiDAR and sensors, Aura can navigate tight indoor spaces. This enables two crucial features for elderly users: a “summon” function that brings the walker from up to 30 metres away and an auto-docking capability that ensures the walker is fully charged and ready to serve every morning.
Assistive Walking: A torque sensor in the handle detects the user’s effort and provides proportional power to the drive motors. This makes pushing the walker feel effortless, allowing the user to move freely and confidently, even over uneven surfaces like rug edges.
Synergistic Sit-to-Stand Assistance: This is the most critical function. When summoned, Aura positions itself in front of the user. As the user grasps the handle and begins to stand, the system senses their intent and activates the linear actuator, providing a smooth and stable lift. Crucially, this is not a full-power lift; it is a collaborative effort that combines machine power with the user’s own strength, ensuring the user remains active and does not become fully reliant on the device.
The image showcases the process of sit-to-stand – assistance with seat raisers will make the setup ideal and completely safe for all the users.
To ensure Aora operates as smoothly and reliably as possible, it is equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite for accurate environmental evaluation. We understand that for an elderly user, any malfunction or navigation failure can be a source of significant stress and frustration, eroding trust in the device. Therefore, the system is designed to be failproof in the vast majority of home environments. This is achieved through a multi-layered approach: a primary LiDAR sensor for mapping and navigation, a camera for object recognition, ultrasonic sensors for close-range detection in low-light conditions, and a torque sensor to interpret user intent.
Aora features vertical armrests; a deliberate ergonomic addition designed specifically for frail elderly users who may experience conditions such as arthritis or muscle weakness. These armrests provide a more comfortable and secure grip, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. Furthermore, the elevated grip position naturally encourages the user to walk in an upright posture, promoting better spinal alignment and contributing to overall musculoskeletal health—a significant improvement over traditional walkers that can cause stooping.
Aora’s front wheels are intentionally oversized, with a diameter of 20 cm. This specific design choice serves a dual purpose: it ensures a smoother and more stable user experience by allowing the walker to effortlessly navigate common household obstacles like rug edges and uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the larger wheel size provides the necessary space to integrate a dedicated suspension system, significantly enhancing user comfort by damping vibrations. While these front wheels are not motorised, they are designed as swivel casters and are solely responsible for steering, giving Aora its agile maneuverability in tight indoor spaces.
A large, integrated display powered by a familiar Android operating system serves as Aora’s command and communication center. This feature is ideal for helping users stay connected to their loved ones through one-tap video calls, directly combating social isolation. It also functions as an interactive assistant, allowing users to receive navigation instructions or control the device with simple voice commands. Critically, the display enhances user safety by incorporating a readily accessible emergency response system, providing peace of mind for both the user and their family when it is needed most.
Research
The research process was initiated with an intensive literature review, which revealed critical data on the challenges facing the global ageing population and the complexities of their care. This foundational knowledge helped establish a feasible project direction, which was then validated by a comprehensive market review. This analysis confirmed that current assistive methods are inadequate and strengthened the proposal that a significant market intervention is necessary.
Following this, primary research was conducted to define the critical anthropometric data and ergonomic parameters for the device. The objective was to ensure the design would accommodate a large percentile range of the target population. This research involved a detailed study of the physical differences between people of varying statures, specifically analyzing the biomechanics of their posture during sitting, standing, and walking motions to inform the product’s dimensions.
Electronics
Two primary aspects of the design required functional testing. The first was to determine how the system would respond when a user applies force, and the second was to define the format of that response.
To achieve this, a proof-of-concept prototype was built using a load sensor integrated into the handle and a linear actuator to provide the lift. The system was programmed with a specific operational logic: when a continuous force greater than 500g is detected on the handle, a three-second initiation timer begins. If the force is maintained, the actuator starts to rise at a constant pace, assisting the user into a walking position.
Crucially, a critical fail-safe was integrated. If the user feels unstable and releases the handle, the actuator stops immediately. After a brief delay, it then slowly descends back to its original resting position, ensuring the user is never left in an unsupported state.
Prototyping
A significant challenge in designing the prototype was replicating the desired lift path. The human body does not follow a simple linear motion during the sit-to-stand process; biomechanically, the path is closer to an ‘S’ curve. Therefore, we required a system that could not only make the handle follow this specific curve but was also versatile enough to be easily modified during the iterative testing phase.
The simple and effective solution was a cam and follower system. By using a roller pin (the follower) that travels within a precisely laser-cut groove (the cam), the handle is constrained to follow any curved path we design. This method proved ideal, allowing for rapid and low-cost adjustments to the lift profile by simply changing the laser-cut panel.
Stills of the product – Image 1 – shows all the important parts and features of the product that make it function, Image 2 – in context shot
Advanced 3D CAD
This module focused on the modelling, assembly, and rendering of the product. The process began with the creation of a Class-A surface model of the controller. All surfaces were evaluated to ensure G2 (curvature) continuity, utilizing analysis tools such as zebra stripes and curvature combs. The assembly phase was executed with injection molding considerations in mind, verified by applying proper draft angles to the entire model. The renderings below are presented to display various aspects of the product’s design.
Hero shot: A render using high-contrast light for a dramatic effect, as if revealing something epic. It helps create suspense and anticipation for the product being shown to the audience.
Closeup: This shows the product’s fine details. Without it, viewers might miss the minute details that enhance the experience and deserve appreciation.
Colorways: This shot displays the product’s full range of available CMF (Color, Material, Finish), giving viewers options to compare and choose from all in one frame.
Cutaway: This shows the product’s interior assembly, appealing to viewers interested in its construction. It fosters a deeper appreciation for the design effort.
Exploded view: This shows the product’s individual parts and their arrangement order. It’s useful for understanding the internal components and how the product is assembled.
In-hand shot: This shot helps viewers gauge the product’s size and provides context. It often doubles as a way to educate the user on how the product is used.
Motion blur: A great way to show movable parts in a still image. This method depicts motion in the intended direction, which helps viewers understand the product’s use.
Brave -AR Glasses
This project covers key aspects of the design process, focusing on the future of aviation communication. It re-imagines how control towers can communicate with pilots, ground staff, and other tower personnel to maintain a steady traffic flow and prevent accidents. The proposed device is an AR glass solution that displays a multi-screen environment directly in the user’s field of vision. This system saves time and eliminates the current need for manual note-taking on various flights. It also overlays real-time data about flights and atmospheric conditions. During low-visibility days, integrated sensors provide a clear visual location of aircraft, supplementing traditional radar systems.
The sketching and ideation process for the product focused on ergonomics and the intuitive placement of tactile buttons, allowing them to be easily developed into muscle memory. All features—including stress test pad, power cables, centralised data storage, multi-layer glass for display protection, and dials—were carefully considered and placed in their ideal positions.
Following ideation, rapid prototyping with materials like pink foam helped visualize the design and component placement. This process allowed for easy adjustments to any elements that didn’t fit. Consequently, the dial and the final product’s shape were modified to improve user ergonomics.
More Work
RC Car: As part of the fabrication module, this project was very useful for learning fabrication processes like CNC, 3D printing, and vacuum forming. We used these methods to develop the main parts, which were the chassis, car body, and wheels.
Loovs: A lamp designed for elderly, work-from-home users to support their circadian rhythm. It offers multiple illumination modes and automatically adjusts its brightness based on the ambient natural light.
Scoopy: A piece of inclusive Boccia equipment designed for player independence. It allows users to practice without assistance by helping them retrieve used balls with minimal effort.
