Improving Product Functionality for Consumers with Disabilities: The Case of a Cushion to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract

Patients with mobility impairments who are wheelchair-bound (users) need to avoid the incidence of pressure ulcers, for which it typically is necessary to have a special cushion. The Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory from the Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación (INR) has developed a prototype cushion product. The objective of this article is to demonstrate and understand how user perceptions can help to improve functionality in the product design of a wheelchair cushion. A satisfaction assessment model is developed such that a specific and holistic perspective of user perceptions regarding the prototype wheelchair cushion is taken into account. The approach taken allows for the evaluation of satisfaction over time.