New slopes - Designing a motorized cross-country sit-ski to increase accessibility, safety, activity level, and fun for paraplegic cross-country skiers
DS 118: Proceedings of NordDesign 2022, Copenhagen, Denmark, 16th - 18th August 2022
Year: 2022
Editor: Mortensen, N.H.; Hansen, C.T. and Deininger, M.
Author: Eikevåg, Sindre.W.; Forr, Monika; Aase, Kristin; Aasan, Viljar; Steinert, Martin; Aasland, Knut Einar
Series: NordDESIGN
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Beitostølen Healthsports Center
Section: Human Driven Design
Page(s): 12
DOI number: https://doi.org/10.35199/NORDDESIGN2022.27
ISBN: 9781912254170
Abstract
In modern times the activity level of paraplegics has decreased. In skiing, the prepared cross-country slopes are posing impossible challenges and dangers. By using universal design principles we designed a motorized sit-ski that is making the available cross-country ski infrastructure finally fully accessible for the disabled population. The proposed design enables poling uphill without the need for assistance, as well as reduced speed downhill with increased safety, thus giving disabled the opportunity of freedom, independence, increased activity, and the opportunity to explore nature.
Keywords: Prototyping, engineering design, experience design, healthcare design, product design