Project 2:Conceptual Design For Wheelchair Users

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 Exploring Accessibility Challenges for Wheelchair Users During Natural Disasters

Recently, I had an insightful conversation with my friend Aliya, a wheelchair user, about the accessibility challenges faced by wheelchair users during natural disasters like floods. Although Aliya is accustomed to her daily experiences as a wheelchair user, we realized that natural disasters pose unique challenges, especially in a country like Malaysia, where floods are common during the rainy season.

Aliya highlighted her concerns about mobility and safety during floods, underscoring the importance of having proper measures in place to ensure the well-being of wheelchair users. This discussion inspired us to brainstorm solutions, focusing on a smart environment system that could enhance accessibility and provide vital support during emergencies.

A Smart Environment Solution 

Understanding the Need:

In our research, we recognized the significant challenges wheelchair users encounter during natural disasters like floods, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall. Navigating through flooded streets, accessing timely information, and receiving assistance during emergencies are just some of the hurdles they face.

Introducing Our Smart Environment System:

Our system diagram illustrates the interconnected components that make up our smart environment solution. At its core is the application interface, serving as the gateway for users to access critical information and features.

Key Components:

  • Flood Sensors, Weather Sensors, and Geolocation System: Gather real-time data on flood conditions, weather forecasts, and user locations.

  • Backend Service: Process and manage data from sensors and external APIs.

  • External APIs: Provide weather forecasts, maps, emergency alerts, and flood monitoring capabilities.

  • Database: Store and manage user data, sensor readings, and system feedback.

  • Mobile Devices & Wheelchair Digital Screen: Interfaces for users to receive alerts, notifications, and assistance guidance.

  • User Interface: Visual interface on mobile devices and digital screens for intuitive navigation.

  • SOS Functionality: Allows users to send distress signals and request assistance.

  • Emergency Responders: Provide aid and support to users in flood-affected areas.

  • Feedback Loop: Enables users to provide feedback for system improvement.

  • Alarm System: Triggers audible alerts when emergency responders are nearby.


Identifying the Need

Through our research, we discovered the significant difficulties wheelchair users face during natural disasters, such as:

  • Navigating flooded streets
  • Receiving timely information and alerts
  • Accessing emergency assistance

These challenges demand innovative solutions to improve safety and accessibility for wheelchair users.

Introducing Our Smart Environment System

Our proposed solution revolves around a smart environment system designed specifically to assist wheelchair users during floods.

Key Features of the System:

  1. Flood & Weather Sensors: Collect real-time data on flood levels and weather conditions.
  2. Geolocation System: Tracks user locations for better emergency response.
  3. SOS Functionality: Allows users to send distress signals with a single tap.
  4. Mobile Devices & Digital Screens: Provide accessible interfaces for alerts and navigation.
  5. Emergency Responders Integration: Enables swift assistance in affected areas.
  6. Feedback Loop: Gathers user feedback to improve the system continuously.
  7. Alarm System: Alerts users audibly when help is nearby.

The system diagram integrates these components, showcasing how real-time data flows through a centralized backend, ensuring efficient operation.

Key Learnings and Insights

  1. Understanding System Architecture
    Building the system diagram deepened my understanding of complex system architectures, highlighting the importance of clear data flow and user-centric design.

  2. Importance of User Engagement
    Conversations with Aliya provided invaluable insights into real-world challenges, emphasizing the need for empathy and practical design considerations.

  3. Inclusive Design Principles
    Designing the interface and user manual required a focus on clarity and accessibility, ensuring that the system meets the diverse needs of wheelchair users.

  4. Adapting to Challenges
    Finding accurate cost data for building an immersive environment proved difficult, leading us to refocus on analyzing the ethical and practical implications of the system.






Reflections on the Design Process

Challenges in User Research
Aliya shared that while she has adapted to daily challenges, natural disasters pose new risks, particularly concerning mobility and access to help. Wheelchair users often face:

  • Inaccessible public spaces during floods
  • Concerns about their ability to receive timely assistance

These insights shaped our focus on safety, inclusivity, and quick response mechanisms.

Decision-Making Process
Our solution prioritizes safety and empowerment by integrating smart technologies like geolocation, alarm systems, and real-time alerts. These tools aim to provide:

  • Remote monitoring
  • Emergency alerts
  • Navigation assistance

Potential Impact
The system could significantly enhance wheelchair users’ independence and safety while fostering inclusivity. By addressing accessibility barriers, this solution contributes to creating a society where everyone feels supported and empowered.

Conclusion

Developing this smart environment system has been an enriching journey, combining technology and inclusivity to address real-world challenges. Through meaningful conversations, research, and design, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the potential of smart technologies to transform lives. This project underscores the importance of empathy, collaboration, and innovative thinking in making the world a safer and more inclusive place for everyone.

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