A sofa that meets the needs of people in a wheelchair by allowing a simple and independent transition from a wheelchair to the sofa and back, as well as making close and intimate sitting possible by cancelling the distance between the wheelchair to the sofa.

In-depth research and interviews with people who use wheelchairs, and their families, have led me to formulate the problems and needs in designing an accessible sofa.

The main changes made as part of the object design were firstly changing the height and matching it to the wheelchair’s average height. Secondly, creating an angle that eliminates the space between the wheelchair and the sofa, which allows an easier and safer transition. Other implemented design choices included an adjustable armrest, and a combination of different upholstery’s densities to produce two distinguishable areas: One harder, which makes it easier for wrist movement and transitions, and a softer one that is more comfortable to sit on. These design choices, in addition to the use of durable materials suitable for high friction with the wheelchair, have created a caring, accessible, stable, easy-to-use sofa that takes into account the daily needs of the disabled.

This project was done in collaboration with the “rossin” company and as part of an Erasmus exchange program.

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