modular 'pedestrian' walking aid adapts dynamically to users' changing needs

Pedestrian is a versatile walking aid designed for individuals with walking disabilities and those needing mobility support. It bridges the gap between short-term options like forearm crutches, typically used for up to six weeks, and long-term solutions such as wheelchairs. This system prioritizes reducing consequential injuries, often associated with conventional walking aids, by promoting ease of use and enabling active participation in social life. With a few quick adjustments, Pedestrian can be customized to fit users’ specific assistance needs.

As a Protected Design Concept, Pedestrian provides adaptable support to match the changing needs in a healing process, which often requires more relief at the start and lighter support as recovery progresses. Many conventional aids do not accommodate this dynamic healing journey, often leading to secondary damage and eventual abandonment of the device. Pedestrian addresses these challenges by offering a more ergonomic and practical solution for daily use.

all images courtesy of Jonas Krämer and Ayla Warncke

Pedestrian’s modularity and transformability expand its usability, making it suitable for a broad range of users. Conceptualized by Product Designers Jonas Krämer and Ayla Warncke, the design allows for easy replacement of worn or damaged parts, enabling shared use and continued adaptability even after initial use. Each element is fully interchangeable, tailored to users’ evolving needs. With intuitive mode-switching, users can start using Pedestrian immediately and continue to benefit from support even if setbacks occur in their recovery.

The base of the walking aid, the foot, provides stability and enables the walking aid to stand independently, thanks to its wide diameter and flexible rubber construction. The textured profile of this adaptable ‘foot’ design prevents slipping on wet or uneven surfaces while leaving no marks, with a 4 mm tread depth that maintains durability over months of use. Should the ‘foot’ wear down, a straightforward replacement is easily available. Unlike conventional walking aids that often focus on the disability, Pedestrian centers the user’s experience, avoiding the strictly medical, technical character common in many mobility aids. Its soft, ergonomic forms provide a more human-centered design, while a refined color palette encourages a confident approach to mobility limitations.

Pedestrian adapts dynamically to the healing process from injury to recovery

Pedestrian bridges the gap between short-term and long-term walking aid designs

soft, ergonomic forms shift focus from disability to user experience

ergonomic design encourages long-term use over temporary solutions

Pedestrian innovative mechanism helps reduce consequential injuries associated with conventional aids

project info:

name: Pedestrian – Walking Aid designer: Jonas Krämer and Ayla Warncke | @_jonaskraemer

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom