In the UK, 12,000 children under 16 suffer from Juvenile Arthritis, a condition that causes discomfort in the joints. Pain & Stiffness caused by JA lowers the range of motion the child is capable of, making every day tasks difficult.
The Pack n’ Play lowers the impact carrying heavy bags has on children with JA. Developed straps and a palm release buckle, decrease the motion required to remove or put on the backpack. Compartmentalisation and padding improve weight distribution and comfort, reducing the pressure on their joints. A foam structure and feet on the base keep the backpack upright, lowering the bending required to pick the backpack up. User interaction is improved through ring pull zippers, thick foam handles and a book organiser in the main compartment.
The Pack n’ Play Backpack was my dissertation project at Bournemouth University. The product was showcased at the Universities Festival of Design and Innovation and was also short-listed for The New Designers Exhibition.
