Rethinking a Fold-able Cane
Photoshop & Print on Foam Core 76.2 cm x 50.8 cm November 2019 Exhibition Text This Fold-able Cane was inspired by mothers need for a lightweight cane that was easy to store when not in use. This cane not only helps her mobility issues that were cased by a disability but it can help others under similar circumstances as well. |
Planning
Inspiration
For this project my inspiration was someone who was in need. The goal is to create a product to assist said person with their needs and wants. For this I chose my mother who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. "Multiple sclerosis involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system. The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Damage to areas of the CNS may produce a variety of neurological symptoms that will vary among people with MS in type and severity," (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). For my mother multiple sclerosis affects the mobility of her right side of the body. She also experiences vertigo occasionally as well constantly being off balance.
During a sit down "interview" with her I asked her about her experiences dealing with MS. While talking to her I asked her questions regarding her cane. She mentioned that she enjoyed it and found it useful in helping her mobility. However she said that lots of people tend to step on the base when walking with her current cane in public. As we continued the conversation I began to think of a way that I could help improve her cane in general.
Inspiration
For this project my inspiration was someone who was in need. The goal is to create a product to assist said person with their needs and wants. For this I chose my mother who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. "Multiple sclerosis involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system. The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Damage to areas of the CNS may produce a variety of neurological symptoms that will vary among people with MS in type and severity," (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). For my mother multiple sclerosis affects the mobility of her right side of the body. She also experiences vertigo occasionally as well constantly being off balance.
During a sit down "interview" with her I asked her about her experiences dealing with MS. While talking to her I asked her questions regarding her cane. She mentioned that she enjoyed it and found it useful in helping her mobility. However she said that lots of people tend to step on the base when walking with her current cane in public. As we continued the conversation I began to think of a way that I could help improve her cane in general.
Sketches
My first idea was to create a fold-able cane that worked similarly to a fold-able straw. A fold-able straw has a rubber lining on the inside of the straw allowing the star to be pulled apart and folded at each section, then being secured in a container. During a peer review I got further inspiration from Megan, a fellow student, who suggested instead of having a fold-able cane held by a rubber band to possibly create a purse like container to conceal the cane in use. This makes the cane look more stylish and is easier to carry around.
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The other idea was also a fold-able cane but made with a different material. During the "interview" with my mom she kept mentioning the idea of having a wooden hand carved cane, however certain woods can be harder to carve. This gave us the idea of possibly working with bamboo because it is hollow and easier to carve. The bamboo cane has a different handle, instead of the original curved handle and neck the handle is a straight handle without the cushioning to create a more comfortable grip. Both canes have a base similar to my moms original base but slightly slimmer and detachable making it less likely to be stepped on and if necessary the base can be removed.
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Model #1
The goal for this mock model was to just create the basic structural foundation so I could continue to build onto it. To incorporate everything my mother wanted I set out to Michael's and found a 1 inch light weight wooden rod and painted it in the color my mother preferred and adding smaller details like the silver circles to it. But I used grey modeling magic clay to create a handle like shape and also tennis ball shape for the base. (The base is explained more underneath the experimentation portion).
While making this there was a peer critique as well, the goal as I continue on with this project is to hopefully create a model that is to scale with an object (like a doll) for reference. I also intend on creating some sort of purse like component to actually put the cane in for storage and to make it more stylish to carry around when it is not being used, per my mothers request. |
Experimentation
I struggled a lot with the base of the cane and trying to figure put a way to make it stand on its own. The original idea was to create a circle like base but with three cylinder shapes that were attached at the bottom. I tried attaching them with hot glue, toothpicks and even my simply molding everything into one piece and it wasn't working. Then I detached the cylinders and left the bottom flat which seemed to help it stand on it own. There were still some issues with stability so in the up coming weeks I intend on finding a stronger more durable material for the base and handle. |
Reflection
Critique
Overall I'm not too happy with how this turned out but I do have many plans to improve this within the next couple of weeks. I intent on making a new cane for a doll to show more accurate proportions. I also plan on making a carrying case, most likely out of cardboard, to put the cane in. It'll give it the illusion that it is a purse. I also intend on finding a more durable and sturdy material to create the base and handle out of.
Critique
Overall I'm not too happy with how this turned out but I do have many plans to improve this within the next couple of weeks. I intent on making a new cane for a doll to show more accurate proportions. I also plan on making a carrying case, most likely out of cardboard, to put the cane in. It'll give it the illusion that it is a purse. I also intend on finding a more durable and sturdy material to create the base and handle out of.
ACT Response
Clearly explain how you were able to identify the cause and effect relationship between your inspiration and its effects on your artwork?
My mothers need for a sturdier, lighter and easily transportable cane effected my artwork/product because I wanted to create an idea that showcased everything that she wanted and needed to help her mobility.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The authors approach regarding my topic of inspiration was to inform other of Multiple sclerosis, a nerve disease that affects a persons mobility.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
The main generalization I discovered about people with in the MS community tend to have lots of mobility issues that very from person to person. Some people with MS may need nothing to help them move while others need cane or even wheelchairs.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central idea around my inspirational research is to create a product that can help people with mobility issues but specifically my mom.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
An inference I made while reading my research was that my mom wanted any kind of cane wither it retracts for folds she wanted something that was easily transportable.
Clearly explain how you were able to identify the cause and effect relationship between your inspiration and its effects on your artwork?
My mothers need for a sturdier, lighter and easily transportable cane effected my artwork/product because I wanted to create an idea that showcased everything that she wanted and needed to help her mobility.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The authors approach regarding my topic of inspiration was to inform other of Multiple sclerosis, a nerve disease that affects a persons mobility.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
The main generalization I discovered about people with in the MS community tend to have lots of mobility issues that very from person to person. Some people with MS may need nothing to help them move while others need cane or even wheelchairs.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central idea around my inspirational research is to create a product that can help people with mobility issues but specifically my mom.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
An inference I made while reading my research was that my mom wanted any kind of cane wither it retracts for folds she wanted something that was easily transportable.
Bibliography
“Definition of MS.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS.
“Multiple Sclerosis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Apr. 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269.
“Definition of MS.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS.
“Multiple Sclerosis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Apr. 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269.