- The document outlines research into assistive devices for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), including interviews with MS patients and retailers, user trials of current devices, and meetings with occupational therapists. - The research identified problems with standard wheelchairs including difficulty maneuvering, risk of damage, inability to handle uneven surfaces, difficulty transporting, and discomfort during long periods of use. - The current market offers motorized wheelchairs, "carrier" attachments to solve some issues, and the now discontinued I-Bot device that could climb curbs but was very expensive. Opportunities exist to design an improved wheelchair addressing the identified problems.

1. Primary Research
Journey of Progression
Market Flooded
With hand-held
assistive devices
MS Ireland Conference
• Interviews with PWMS
• Interviews with Retailers
• User Trials
Research of Current
Assistive Devices for
Market
People with Focus on dexterity issues
Multiple Sclerosis Meeting with Occupational
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Therapist
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• Focus Group
• User Diary
• Behaviour Mapping Problem Identification
• Empathy Scenario
Johnny
Burke

2. Identified Problems
Opportunity for Design
• Difficult to maneouvre
• Cause damage to doors, walls etc.
• Cannot cope with sub-standard accessibilty
(high kerbs, steps etc.)
• Hard to clean / avoid bringing dirt indoors on
wheels
• Difficult / Impossible to transport in car
• Uncomfortable to sit in for extended periods
(conflicting evidence)
• Difficult to get out of
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Burke

3. User Study
People with Multiple Sclerosis
As Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive debilitating
disease, unfortunately it is inevitable that most
people with MS will ultimately require the use of a
wheelchair. A motorised chair can provide much
greater independence than a manual one as arms
are also affected.
People with Multiple Sclerosis who are at the stage of
needing a wheelchair share the following
characteristics that are of relevance to their wheel-
chair use:
• Impaired Dexterity
• Impaired Vision
• Dizziness
• Frustration
• Perfect Mental Health
Johnny
Burke

4. Current Market
What solutions exist? All primary data collected is from users
who use standard motorised wheelchairs
such as this.
The “carrier” concept attempts to solve
some of the identified problems
The I-Bot somewhat solves the problem
of climbing kerbs and steps. It is no longer
available to buy and was very expensive
(http://www.ibotnow.com)
“Powerstroll” attaches to a
manual wheelchair so an
assistant may push easier
Johnny
Burke