How do we as designers make outdoor activities more accessible to people with disabilities?
When tasked with this project, I decided to get to know people experiencing disabilities who love to get outside. I ended up talking in depth with my mom, who has been injured for almost 4 years now because of a ski accident.
Through my mom, I realized the need for a more stable hiking pole. She likes the leverage the over hand grip that canes provide.
There are hiking poles with grips of this style available, however, many people in need of this device already have quality hiking poles they used to use just laying around. These poles also lack adjustability and limit the use of a traditional style handle when it's needed for certain situations.
Through sketching, prototyping, and further talks with my mom, I went in the direction of an attachment for an existing hiking pole. This allows for the handle to be adjusted and placed exactly were the user needs it. The handle will not interfere with the top handle incase its needed in situations such a steep cross slope.
The handle is attached to two long, curved braces that support the weight of the user and prevent banding or snapping because of the lateral force placed on the pole.
A top and bottom clamp are then slid over the braces and closed to secure the attachment to the pole
Spacers are included to insurer the user gets the best fit for their pole.
The bottom brace features a tapered groove that allows the attachment to gain strength and grip when downward force is applied.
