Cane-Fit
Fit to go, free to move.
Role: Product Designer
Responsibility: End-to-End Product Design
Place: Taiwan
Duration: 4 months
Hoot hoot...
Preparing something wise for you
Role: Product Designer
Responsibility: End-to-End Product Design
Place: Taiwan
Duration: 4 months
To develop an ergonomically designed cane that is easy for seniors to use, with a particular emphasis on minimizing knee strain while walking downhill. The design aims to enhance comfort, reduce physical stress, and improve overall safety.
This project will deliver both the product and the research process, which includes user research and observation (utilizing the AEIOU method), analysis of user needs and pain points, and user journey mapping. A persona will be developed to further refine the conceptual design and optimize features, ultimately resulting in a comprehensive design proposal and product prototype.
This project incorporates both ergonomic and structural design elements. The cane must provide a comfortable grip and be angled appropriately to accommodate a diverse range of users. Additionally, the internal air pressure adjustment and locking mechanism require precise engineering, necessitating collaboration with experts to ensure safety, durability, and ease of use.
This design will significantly enhance the usability of canes for seniors by incorporating an adjustable and energy-efficient mechanism. It will improve stability, reduce knee strain, and increase safety and comfort during daily mobility.
01
Through field research, we discovered that many elderly hiking enthusiasts often rely on umbrellas as makeshift canes or use poorly designed walking sticks. These alternatives lack proper ergonomic support, posing significant safety risks—especially when descending hills, where increased knee strain can lead to long-term joint damage. Some seniors adopt a backward-walking technique to reduce knee impact.
However, this method greatly increases the risk of falls due to limited visibility of the path behind them. Recognizing these issues, we aim to design a specialized cane that provides stable support and an effective shock-absorption mechanism, ultimately reducing injuries and enabling seniors to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
Design Process
02
Through field research, we employed the AEIOU observation method to analyze the environment and user behaviors, identifying key design opportunities. The observations are as follows:
This user journey map analyzes an elderly woman’s experience using an umbrella as a walking aid, identifying her needs and pain points at different stages.
Hiking
Leg fatigue
Weather conditions thirst
Unclear signage slippery paths Carrying multiple items
Mosquito physical exertion
Limited seating
Steep slopes
Wooden stairs
Muddy trails (after rain)
Moss-covered surfaces
Lack of railings on certain paths
Uneven stone roads
High mosquito presence
Drinking water
Applying mosquito repellent
Chatting with fellow hikers
Reading plant information signs
Hikers making tea
Strong social interactions among
Elderly walking backward
Discussing maps
Playing with dogs
Water bottles
Snacks
Mobile phones
Hats
Towels
Hiking poles
Mosquito repellent
Water dispensers, trail handrails benches
Signage
• 5:30 - 7:30 AM: Seniors (60+)
• 8:00 - 10:00 AM: Middle-aged individuals (40-50)
• 10:00 - 11:00 AM: Tour groups, families
From these insights, we identified several significant challenges that elderly hikers face, including physical strain, difficult terrain, and inadequate equipment—particularly the stress on the knees when descending and the risks associated with walking backward.
Based on the AEIOU observation method, I created a persona to ensure that the user’s needs are addressed throughout the design process.
This user journey map analyzes the experience of an elderly woman using an umbrella as a walking aid, highlighting her needs and pain points at various stages.
03
The four most common types available are as follows:
• Vertical handle for better control and stability.
• Reduces muscle strain, especially when hiking uphill or downhill.
• Suitable for various terrains, offering balance and support.
• 360-degree rotating base with a three-point design for enhanced flexibility and stability.
Target user: Hikers, trekking enthusiasts, people walking on uneven terrains.
• T-shaped handle, ideal for walking on flat or slightly inclined surfaces.
• Provides support while walking, reducing joint stress.
• Some of them include hand straps to prevent slipping.
Target user: Regular walkers, elderly individuals, people in rehabilitation.
• Ergonomic handle designed for both left and right-handed users.
• Circular base design allows it to stand independently.
• Adjustable height features an anti-slip rubber tip for enhanced stability.
• Advanced models include red warning lights, buzzers, LED lighting, three angle adjustments, and laser guidance.
Target user: Elderly individuals, people with mobility issues, those needing extra support.
• Dual-purpose design that function as both an umbrella and a cane.
• Pressure-assisted opening and closing system to prevent hand injuries
• Adjustable height, increases by 3 cm per section.
• Supports up to 100 kg, ensuring user safety
Target user: Elderly individuals, people needing both a walking aid and rain protection.
04
After each discussion with my professor, my goal is......
Hypothesis
If it includes enhanced anti-slip and shock-absorbing features, users will feel more confident walking on wet or uneven terrain.
If it is lighter and easier to store, individuals are more likely to carry it with them, increasing its frequency of use.
Challenges
User Acceptance
Elderly users may be less receptive to new products, particularly those who are accustomed to traditional canes.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Ensuring that the grip and overall design facilitate prolonged use without causing fatigue or discomfort.
Adaptability to Various Terrains
The cane must be effective on various surfaces, including wet, uneven, and sloped terrain.
Aesthetics
Some elderly individuals may hesitate to use a cane due to concerns about appearing frail or elderly.
Constraints
The Balance Between Weight and Stability
A lightweight design may compromise stability, whereas a sturdier design may become excessively heavy.
Technical Limitations
Advanced structural features, such as air pressure mechanisms, increase production complexity and costs.
Portability
While a foldable design offers convenience, it is essential to ensure that durability and ease of operation are preserved.
Time Limitations
With only four months to develop the product, the emphasis will be on maximizing simulations to effectively demonstrate its functionality.
05
Concept
User-Friendly Cane for the Elderly.
The design of this cane's handle is based on ergonomics and intuitive response, allowing the palm to naturally fit into the recessed area and providing a stable grip. A button is conveniently located in front of the thumb, enabling users to operate the cane with one hand and easily adjust its length. This feature helps prevent additional injuries to the elderly caused by bending over or applying improper force. The cane also includes a pneumatic telescopic adjustment mechanism, allowing for height adjustments of nearly 30 cm, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Features
Intuitive Operation, Effortless Adjustment. The handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm, providing a secure grip. A button is conveniently located in front of the thumb, allowing for easy one-handed height adjustment without bending down or exerting force, thereby preventing strain or injury.
The cane has a pneumatic height adjustment system, offering an adjustable range of approximately 30 cm to accommodate various users and walking conditions.
Specifications
Minimum cane height: 95cm
Maximum cane height: 140cm
Materials: Grip and feet (rubber), Structure (Aircraft Grade Aluminium)
06
This design process differed significantly from my previous product design experiences, as it focused on the concept of universal design. We began by exploring the principles and key elements of universal design. Next, we expanded our thinking through new methods, broadened our design perspectives, and analyzed existing products to understand their applications.
This process allowed us to understand the importance of different materials and gain insights into how products can meet the diverse needs of users. Rather than simply designing a product, we learned to create designs that are practical, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. During the design phase, we continuously tested and refined our ideas to ensure that the product could be easily used in various situations.
Additionally, by exploring literature on universal design, we examined design thinking from various perspectives, challenging ourselves to shift viewpoints and discover innovative solutions. This process reminded me of the "Mandala Thinking Method," which utilizes a 3x3 grid for both horizontal and vertical thinking. This approach helps uncover unexpected possibilities and adds depth to our design logic.
Finally, as we developed the conceptual model and physically engaged with the product, the sense of excitement was truly remarkable. This experience was not merely about completing a project; it was about embodying the true essence of universal design. When a product transcends age, ability, and environmental limitations to provide genuine convenience for everyone, that is where the true value of design lies.
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