Wheelchair
DURATION
JAN 2025
CLIENT
Danmarks Næste Klassiker
THE DESIGN CHALLENGE
In the final challenge of Danmarks Næste Klassiker, we were tasked with creating a piece of furniture that made a difference using repurposed materials. I chose to challenge myself with an overlooked category: the chair nobody chooses to sit in, but that all of us may need one day—the wheelchair.
I identified a fundamental problem: when you have full mobility, you have endless seating options. The moment you lose it, you are confined to a medical device. Traditional wheelchairs feel clinical, complex, undignified, and out-of-place in a home.
My goal was to bridge the gap between assistive devices and interior-friendly furniture by designing an indoor wheelchair for elderly users in private homes and nursing facilities. Admittedly, an overambitious project given the timeline, but I felt compelled to use this opportunity to contribute to the debate and address the responsibility we have as designers—to improve the lives of those who truly need it.
RESEARCH & INSPIRATION
Overwhelmed by research revealing the complex realities of wheelchair design and user challenges, I identified several key areas needing improvement:
_ Reducing visual and structural clutter in traditional wheelchair design.
_ Using materials closer to furniture for warmth and familiarity.
_ Enhancing ergonomics of the driving wheel for better grip.
_ Improving brake functionality to be more intuitive.
_ Creating a simple anti-tilt solution for safety.
_ Adding front-wheel suspension for better obstacle navigation.
_ Addressing the undignified push-handle design on the back.
With only 10 days to develop the chair, I took a hands-on, materials-driven approach, working directly with repurposed wood and veneer shells from my previous projects. This process led to unexpected functional advantages and structural findings.
KEY INNOVATIONS:
INTEGRATED BRAKE SYSTEM
Traditional wheelchair brakes can be difficult to operate for users and require caregivers to lean over the user’s personal space, which is both awkward and undignified. I concealed the braking mechanism behind the wheels and integrated the operation into the armrests:
_ Push down to lock the chair.
_ Pull back to release.
This ensures the chair is always stable when sitting or standing, while making it easier for caregivers to assist, even from behind.
ERGONOMIC WOODEN DRIVE WHEELS
Standard aluminum drive wheels are cold, slippery, and difficult to grip, especially for elderly users with arthritis. I redesigned them using solid oak, offering:
_ A warmer, more tactile surface.
_ Larger ergonomic dimensions for improved grip and propulsion.
CONCEALED WHEEL STRUCTURE
Traditional spoked wheels create visual clutter and reinforce the medical device aesthetic. To streamline the design, I covered the wheels with upholstered fabric, integrating them seamlessly into the chair’s overall aesthetic.
A MORE DIGNIFIED FORM
One of the most undignified aspects of standard wheelchairs is the push handles positioned directly behind the user's head, making the person feel like they are being moved around like a hand truck or wheelbarrow.
Although not implemented in the final prototype, I developed alternative solutions that could eliminate or reposition these handles to restore a sense of control and dignity.
BEYOND THE PROTOTYPE:
A CALL TO ACTION
I knew I couldn’t solve all wheelchair design challenges in just 10 days, but that wasn’t the goal. My objective was to challenge the status quo—to prove that mobility aids don’t have to be purely functional. They can be beautiful, warm, and human-centered.
Everyone on this planet risks losing mobility. That reality makes it even more important to design solutions that preserve identity, dignity, and quality of life.
NEXT STEPS
This project revealed a huge market gap and a clear design responsibility. I am eager to continue development in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, with a focus on:
_ Further refinement and modular adaptations for different users.
_ Collaboration with healthcare professionals to enhance functionality.
_ Scaling production while maintaining craftsmanship.
NEXT STEPS
This project revealed a huge market gap and a clear design responsibility. I am eager to continue development in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, with a focus on:
_ Further refinement and modular adaptations for different users.
_ Collaboration with healthcare professionals to enhance functionality.
_ Scaling production while maintaining craftsmanship.
ABOUT SOPHUS
Multi-award-winning industrial designer with over 20 years of experience in high-end product design. Raised in the Danish design tradition and mentored by master designer David Lewis, Sophus is passionate about creating meaningful, lasting design solutions. His approach is rooted in empathy, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations. He believes in long-term collaborations built on trust and mutual respect, ensuring that every project is not just a product but a true reflection of a brand’s identity.
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contact@sophusbang.com
