Abstract

Abstract Seating and positioning are essential components of wheelchair technology that provide comfort, support, and protection for the user throughout all of their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These components are even more crucial for nonambulatory, full-time wheelchair users, and/or those with reduced-to-no sensation who are at a high risk of discomfort, injury, and even death from improper seating and positioning setups. However, there are several instances when this group of users must be out of their wheelchairs and seating and positioning setup, such as when traveling by car or plane, when participating in adaptive sports, and when engaging in social activities. Because of this oversight, users are at risk for pressure injury, sores, and even death when out of their chairs. This results in an impossible decision: choosing between pressure injury or facing isolation and depression from missing out on valuable life moments. NEST was designed in response to this problem and is a seating and positioning device that provides cushioning, protection, and support when outside of the wheelchair and is entirely customizable and portable. NEST incorporates an alternating pressure air cell cushion, backrest, sideguards, non-slip bottom, and several options for positioning accessories. NEST has two base models that inform the general use case: an active model and a stationary model. The active model features a rounded backrest to help facilitate movement when participating in activities like adaptive sports. The stationary model features a flat-top backrest to provide stability and additional support for the user when traveling. NEST results in a better quality of life for the user in terms of their social, physical, and mental health. The chance of acquiring pressure injury while participating in ADLs outside of their wheelchair would be reduced when using NEST, allowing users to fully participate in all of their desired activities with comfort, dignity, and safety.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

People with disabilities--Services for--Design; Orthopedic apparatus--Design; Self-help devices for people with disabilities--Design; Seating (Furniture)--Design and construction; User-centered system design

Publication Date

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Design, School of

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Melissa Dawson

Advisor/Committee Member

Stan Rickel

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

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