TIMELINE:
16 WEEKS
YEAR:
JUL 2021
ROLE:
RESEARCH
Sapoto
about.
The project aimed at providing a low-cost solution for carrying loads in areas with no proper roads or elevation in terrain. Wheels cannot be used effectively and manual labour is widely used.
Participant observation and field research:
construction sites, vegetable markets, bazaars.
Figure 1: Bharat lifting a 70kg gunny bag at the Sahibabad Mandi. This is his only source of income and he lifts around 100 bags each day and gets ₹2 (~£0.02) per bag.
Figure 2: Various ways of lifting observed at the Sahibabad Mandi. Most people were accustomed to lifting by hand and could not take time off from work to rest and recover from body pain.
product renders.
This was modelled and rendered by other members of the team based on the primary and secondary research. Materials depicted are low in cost and dimensions have been chosen based on the Indian body and ergonomic percentiles.
Due to COVID 19 constraints, the model could not be prototyped and tested further.
outcome.
Design thinking
Conducted ethnographic research and user interviews to understand pain points of laborers and market vendors.
Focused on ergonomics and ease of use to minimise physical strain.
Physical solution
Designed a modular, low-cost prototype that isn’t too different from current equipment
Incorporated features for stability, durability, and ease of assembly.
Scalability
Ensured that the solution could be produced affordably and scaled for mass adoption in underprivileged areas.
Solution can be used in various environments
Risk reduction
Solution reduces risks associated with strenuous labor
Helps users with their work without altering their usual way of doing things
