Wheelchair-Accessible Weight Scale Concept

We began our design process by evaluating our own experiences interacting with individuals who were using a wheelchair. In our design, we recognize that the wheelchair is an extension of the individual using it. It is necessary for their function, movement, and identity.
We focused on several factors of ethos when piecing together our design including:
- Difficulties of wheelchair use – mobility, ability to exit and re-enter the wheelchair
- Types of wheelchairs – standard 2-wheel, 4-wheel electric, joystick controlled
- Demographics of individuals using wheelchairs – elderly, people with muscular disabilities, people with injuries, etc.

The ideation phase sought to blend the system requirements with the empathetic challenges our design provided us.

We began by simply asking ourselves: "What types of scales do we use regularly?" This prompted research into weighing devices of all types, not just traditional bodyweight scales.

By allowing our minds to view non-traditional methods, we could eliminate ideas that simply would not fit our needs and requirements. At the same time, it allowed for us to broaden our ideas of what could potentially work.

Do we consider both the wheelchair and user weight combined for this scale?
- We determined that most wheelchair users consider the wheelchair an extension of themselves
- Most wheelchair scales consider the weight of the user and the wheelchair.
- Determining that our scale will consider both the user and wheelchair weight combined as the output.

Next, how will the wheelchair and the user get onto the scale? We could use ramps, lift system, or extremely low-profile scale.
How will the user interact with the scale to get weight measurement? Push buttons (on/off, sound, unit, other user inputs).

This design is lightweight (approx. 30lbs ).
This design is collapsable for easy storage and relocation making it perfect for at home use.
Has two handrails to assist user getting into position on the scale.
Easy user interface with only two buttons on/off and pounds/kilograms.
Low power consumptions (approx. 3.2 watts with continuous use).