Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
A Frugal, Dependency-Driven Design of a Compact Assistive Mobility System for Constrained and Emergency Environments
Kumar, Gaurav; Ramkumar, Janakarajan; Roy, Satyaki
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Langner, Christopher; Kreimeyer, Matthias; Panarotto, Massimo; Cascini, Gaetano; Browning, Tyson R.; Eppinger, Steven D.; Yassine, Ali A.
Author:
Series:
DSM
Institution:
Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
Page(s):
141-150
DOI number:
ISBN:
NA
ISSN:
NA
Abstract:
Mobility is a critical enabler of independence, dignity, and access to healthcare; however, conventional wheelchairs remain largely incompatible with constrained and emergency environments, particularly in low-resource settings. Their high cost, bulky configuration, and limited adaptability restrict usability in narrow indoor spaces, hospital washrooms, railway coaches, and aircraft cabins. This paper presents a low-cost, compact, and rapidly deployable assistive mobility system developed using a frugal, system-oriented design approach. The system integrates readily available components, resulting in a total cost of approximately ₹1500. A Design Structure Matrix (DSM)-aligned analysis is employed to optimize subsystem interactions and maneuverability. The proposed system achieves a 35–40% reduction in width (~420 mm) compared to conventional wheelchairs (600–700 mm), enabling operation in constrained environments. The findings demonstrate that dependency-aware, dimension-driven design significantly enhances usability, offering a scalable and inclusive solution for emergency and low-resource mobility contexts.
Keywords:
