Freedom for Disabled Divers
Abstract |
Inspiration |
Method |
Result
| VideoImages
| Presentation Video
Abstract
Discovery and adventure has always been part of humanity. Scuba diving is a way to experience the world in which we live. This project presents a new system to control buoyancy and trim under water. The paraplegic diver usually chained to the wheelchair can now feel the sense of weightlessness and complete freedom of movement.
Inspiration
Focus is recreational diving in warmer countries, not only giving the opportunity to be inspired by the rich marine life with underwater creatures and coral reefs, also the social side with all the diving associates and communities.
Method
Design for all is the design philosophy in this project, targeting as wide user group as possible. Field studies including diving exhibitions, user interviews with disabled divers and diving instructors, observations and mock-up testings. All these have been important during the process in this project.
Result
Paraplegic divers have to use their arms to swim and manoeuvre under water. This means less mobility, which complicates diving and can be a safety risk.
This project presents a solution that allows a wider control of buoyancy and body trim while under water, increasing the freedom of movement. Set horizontal position to get streamlined when swimming and vertical position for staying at surface or sideways if body got angular position.