Inviting designers, engineers, research scientist, doctors, artist, and all who is interested to participate in a collaboration project titled CRUTCHES.Since antiquity humans have fashioned support devices to hold themselves up when they became sick or injured. Evidence of such devices dates to 2830 B.C. A carving on the entrance of an Egyptian tomb depicts a figure leaning on a crutchlike staff.
Crutch design has evolved from the basic "T" used by Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, to aluminum braces with ice-gripping tips or energy-storing tips that function as shock absorbers—kind of like Air Jordans for the injured.
For lower-limb injuries, crutches remain useful today to decrease discomfort, reduce recovery time, and assist walking.
"Any ideas on how to design one that will benefit the user in a unique way?"
The initial step of the project involves establishing a network of interested people from across different disciplines. Then, applying each individuals skill and knowledge to produce a contribution to the project. A brainstorm will be mapped based on these and published; then will be developed into concepts. If you are interested please e-mail me your profile/background at:
