(A Speculative Design)

INTRODUCTION

In my second semester at Sheffield Hallam University, I initiated a project that tasked me with creating a speculative design to enhance the safety of disabled individuals during natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. The project focused on designing a protective bed that could shield and assist disabled individuals during an earthquake, offering them greater safety and a chance of survival. This innovative concept combined futuristic technology and life-saving features, and I explored two distinct variations of this protective bed, each addressing the challenges posed by earthquakes in different ways.

DESIGN MOTIVATION & PURPOSE

This project was driven by the desire to create a solution for one of the most vulnerable populations—disabled individuals—who often face immense challenges during natural disasters like earthquakes. The traditional safety protocols in such scenarios often do not cater to individuals with mobility impairments, leaving them at higher risk. My speculative design aimed to bridge that gap by offering an innovative and futuristic solution that could help protect lives and provide peace of mind to those who may otherwise be left without adequate protection during such critical events. By conceptualising these two distinct ideas, I not only explored the technical and design possibilities for disaster response products but also considered the emotional and psychological impact of safety solutions on disabled individuals. The bed designs combined cutting-edge technology with practical safety features to ensure that individuals with disabilities had a fighting chance to survive earthquakes and other similar disasters. This project deepened my understanding of inclusive design and the importance of creating solutions that serve all members of society, particularly those who are often overlooked in traditional safety planning. Through this speculative project, I was able to expand my design thinking to consider safety, technology, and human well-being in a holistic and innovative way.

CONCEPT 1:

FLYING BED WITH DRONE PROPELLERS

The first concept was a flying bed equipped with drone propellers that could carry the disabled person to a safe location during an earthquake. The idea behind this bed was to provide a quick and autonomous means of escape, especially in situations where the structure around the person was collapsing, trapping them inside. The drone propellers would activate as soon as the inbuilt seismograph detected seismic activity, lifting the bed off the ground and guiding it to a predetermined safe zone.

• Seismograph Activation: The bed was designed with an inbuilt seismograph capable of detecting tremors and identifying the intensity of the earthquake. Once a significant seismic event was detected, the bed would automatically activate the drone propellers to prepare for evacuation.
• Propeller Control and Navigation: The propellers were designed to allow the bed to take flight smoothly, with a sophisticated navigation system that guided it to an open, safe area away from collapsing structures. This flight was fully autonomous, removing the need for any manual input from the disabled individual.
• Oxygen Supply and Glass Shield: The bed was also designed with an inbuilt oxygen supply and a glass shield. These features were intended to protect the individual from dust, debris, and lack of oxygen while being transported. The glass shield would encase the bed, preventing any falling debris from harming the occupant during the flight to safety.

CONCEPT 2:

BED WITH HYDRAULIC LEGS & EPS SYSTEM

The second concept focused on creating a bed with hydraulic legs that could extend during an earthquake, elevating the disabled person to safety. This version of the bed featured hydraulic legs capable of extending up to the height of a two-story building, providing protection in cases of building collapse by lifting the bed above the danger zone. The bed was also equipped with an EPS (Electronic Stability Program) system that maintained its balance and ensured that it remained stable during and after the collapse.

• Seismograph and Activation: Similar to the flying bed concept, this bed also featured an inbuilt seismograph that would detect seismic activity and activate the hydraulic system.
• Hydraulic Legs: The hydraulic legs were designed to extend and lift the bed off the ground, ensuring that it was raised high enough to avoid any falling debris or collapsing structures. This height would offer protection by keeping the disabled person above ground level, away from potential dangers such as heavy rubble or debris.
• Electronic Stability Program (EPS): The EPS system played a critical role in ensuring that the bed remained balanced and stable after the earthquake. Even in the event of building collapse or uneven ground, the bed would automatically adjust its balance to keep the disabled individual safe and upright.
• Detection Features: To make it easier for rescue teams to locate the bed and its occupant after an earthquake, it was designed with inbuilt sensors, warning sounds, and lights. These features would activate automatically after the seismic event, making the bed easily detectable amidst the rubble, speeding up rescue efforts.
• Oxygen Supply and Glass Shield: Like the flying bed, this design also incorporated an oxygen supply and a glass shield. The oxygen supply ensured that the individual would have access to breathable air in the event of entrapment, while the glass shield provided physical protection from debris during the collapse and potential aftershocks.

A Variant of Concept 2