The core of the research I carried out during my PhD revolved around developing a better understanding of how people who use wheelchairs for mobility transfer in and out of them in everyday life. The ultimate goal was to build evidence around wheelchair transfers and derive design implications. These insights were shared with users and designers to co-develop ideas new technologies that can help people to transfer to and from their wheelchairs more easily.
As part of this research, I conducted both quantitative studies aimed at assessing biomechanics and clinical risks of wheelchair transfers, and interview studies to gather needs and preferences from users.
If you are interested in accessing the full dissertation you can find it here:
From the research included in the dissertation and beyond, I have published the following series of papers with numerous collaborators:
Effect of technique and transfer board use on the performance of wheelchair transfers
An investigation of factors affecting the performance of wheelchair transfers
Understanding independent wheelchair transfers. Perspectives from stakeholders
Does the setting matter? Observing wheelchair transfers across different environmental conditions
