SURESTEP
How might we design a tool to restore physical confidence for seniors, enabling them to move safely, independently, and with dignity?
1. User insights
Quotes from WarmHearth residents
2. Ideation
Renders made with Vizcom AI; see original sketches here
3. Brainstorming
4. Secondary research
Research from Joep Braat
“There’s been many times I’ve been in a hotel with bathtubs, and I think I’m going to hurt myself.”
- WarmHearth Resident
5. Market research
The SureStep works without being screwed onto the tub, using a proven physics principle.
When force is applied directly down, the bath aid rotates around a point and locks into place. It's a walking cane for the bathtub: when force is exerted in the direction of the rotation, SureStep provides balance without wobbling.
6. Initial concept
Drawing by Rylee Whitt
Shallbetter
Keiser
Whitt, Braat
Shallbetter, Toole, Keiser
7. Prototyping
8. Form ideation
9. Final concept
10. Features
11. Features, cont.
12. Features, cont.
Render by Emma Keiser; made with Vizcom AI
13. Colors, Materials, Finish
14. Finale
Special thanks to:
The WarmHearth Retirement Community
SFCS Architects
Mentorship from:
Dr. Yoon Jung Choi
Ben Kirkland
Chelsea Follweiler
Team members:
Joep Braat
Emma Keiser
Roan Toole
Rylee Whitt