Older Connections: Positive Mobility for New York City Senior Citizens
Aug 2022 - May 2023
Improving the Successful Aging of New York City
Our approach to creating public transportation facilities for senior citizens in New York is the result of multidisciplinary research methods and co-design approaches. This project strives to build transportation solutions that truly meet the needs of our elderly community members. This means that every aspect of our solution is grounded in comprehensive, evidence-based research. We develop design activities that are not only user-involved but also pragmatic and impactful. Our goal is to create inclusive and age-friendly public transportation facilities in New York.
A Seat Designed for Senior Citizens
"Wait Wise" consists of a foldable seat and ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act) grab bar, allowing older adults to wait for public transportation safely and comfortably. The ADA grab bar installed on the existing bench armrest makes it higher, aiding them in sitting down and standing up. The seat opens by tapping a Reduced Fare MetroCard and automatically folds when not in use, ensuring it is available for passengers with specific needs. When the seat is folded and locked, anyone can utilize it as a leaning rail. A speaker is integrated into the grab bar to enhance the clarity of announcements.
An Adaptive Street Furniture
We collaborated closely with senior citizens in New York to develop a waiting space that enhances safety and comfort in public transportation boarding areas. The flexible waiting seat system can be installed in a variety of bus stops and subway stations, providing a flexible solution, and making their waiting experience better.
Speaking Sustainable Design Language
The design of Wait Wise seats perfectly matches the existing public transportation aesthetic. As the MTA replaces old benches that have been used for decades, many of them end up being discarded due to damage. To promote sustainability, we upcycle these benches, transforming them into functional Wait Wise seats.
Jul 25, 2023
Competition
Spark:Spring Student
EVENTS
SPARK DESIGN 2023 Winner - Platinum
Wait Wise was the highest vote score of all the Spring 2023 entries. Concratulations on a design well done, Haiwen! --The Spark Jury
NYCxDESIGN Student Showcase Night
In addition to Year-End gallery shows and exhibitions that many of the NYC-based schools will be holding, The Cooper Union, FIT, Parsons, SVA, and Pratt will be hosting our annual “NYCxDESIGN Student Showcase Night,” featuring presentations from our leading design students. The theme of this year’s event is “Merry-Go-Round”. Join us for a transformative and inspirational night!
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
May 19, 2023
Pratt Shows: Design
Pratt Shows: Design is the Institute’s exhibition showcasing design work by exceptional graduating students from the School of Design, School of Architecture, and School of Art.
May 11-17, 2023
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Higgins hall 61 Saint James Place Brooklyn, NY