Modular Design Makes for a More Accessible Walking Stick

Presented at New Designers 2024, the Ida is designed with working-age adults with mobility disabilities in mind – half of whom are unemployed, compared with only 18% of non-disabled people, according to the UK government figures. Noting that many contemporary walking aids can become an impediment, London-based designer Sean Guyett aimed to create an alternative that would easily adapt to the life of its owner.

Guyett – a graduate of BA Product Design at Nottingham Trent University – was inspired by his partner, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a walking stick. Research into the lived experiences of people with mobility disabilities further influenced the Ida’s design.

Two magnetic systems attach to users’ clothing, enabling them to go hands-free when shopping, travelling or socialising without the fear of their mobility aid being left out of reach. Both systems attract magnets within the Ida’s handle, fastening it to users’ clothing for easy access. Additionally, the magnets in the stick’s handle allow it to be affixed to metal surfaces and easily pulled away.

Ida’s modular functionality lets users quickly and easily change the stick’s handle and ferrule (base) components – of which there are three designs each – to suit their environment and mobility requirements.

Informed by the design of standardised walking sticks, the Ida also features a lightweight, durable aluminium shaft with a powder-coated finish – available in a range of colours – and an elastic folding mechanism, while sustainable natural rubber ferrules minimise noise and the risk of slipping.

As explored in Accessible Design Amplified, the needs of people who are neurodivergent or have physical disabilities are increasingly placed at the forefront of design, rather than considered as an afterthought. However, there’s still some way to go before the needs of everyone are met as standard, presenting an opportunity for brands to stand out by making inclusive design the norm. For more, see our Macro Trend report The Accessibility Imperative: Disability Futures.