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Reader Projects

abl - the walking cane that defies the stigma

Knack

Studio Initiated Project

Designed to elevate both the user's physical and emotional experience, abl transforms itself from a mobility aid to a personal accessory worth showing off.

Design Team

Knack

THE CHALLENGE

Today's mobility aids come with a stigma. While canes are intended to serve as a trusty companion, providing stability and confidence, they are often considered an embarrassment.

This stigma is perpetuated by the clinical look and feel of typical canes. Constructed from plastic and aluminum, combined with clanky adjustment features, canes are often cold and impersonal.

As we looked to re-imagine today's walking cane, our challenge was to design a product that someone would be proud to hold by their side.

OUR APPROACH

To fight the stigma, we focused on improving the user's experience with the cane, both physically and emotionally. Improved functionality and thoughtful aesthetics would come together to achieve this.

Aesthetically, we set out to create an authentic cane that compliments its user. This authenticity was created by designing the cane around a timeless form with genuine materials to give a personal feel.

OUR SOLUTION

Today's canes are clinical, cold, and impersonal. To combat this, our solution is a cane that pairs enhanced user-focused functionality with quality materials.

Bending over to pick a cane up off the floor is difficult, if not impossible for some. abl's flared rubber grip tip provides extra traction while walking and also gives users the freedom to stand the cane beside them without having to hunt for a table or chair to lean it on.

Wrapped in cushioned leather, abl's ring-shaped handle ergonomically positions the user's grip directly over the cane's shaft, increasing both comfort and stability.

abl's genuine materials of stitched leather, solid wood, and natural rubber wrap this classic design in an aesthetic that flatters its user.

THE RESULT

By elevating both the user's physical and emotional experience, abl transforms itself from a mobility aid to a personal accessory. abl defies the stigma and offers people a cane to show off proudly.

Learn More About This Projectx

8 Comments

David Beck

5 months ago

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As a cane user, I have the same concern as Blaine does on that radius grip. I would have to try it to determine comfort. And on a side note, I found self-standing canes tend to catch the ground while walking. I don't care for it, but that is just a preference..

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- Kelly Custer
  
  David Beck
  
  5 months ago
  
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  We appreciate the great feedback, David! Thanks for weighing in. The grip's radius was an initial concern of ours as well. However, the thickness and large radius of the handle distributes the weight on the user's hand quite nicely. The more we test, the more we'll learn.
  
  That's good insight on the self-standing canes catching as well. We'll have to make sure that our foot doesn't interfere.
  
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Blaine Bogar

5 months ago

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It looks like this grip may put some strain on the wrist, especially when the user is really leaning on the cane for stability. How did you approach that problem and resolve it?

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- Kelly Custer
  
  Blaine Bogar
  
  5 months ago
  
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  Thanks for the feedback, Blaine! Our grip is actually designed to put less strain on the wrist than typical T-shaped handles because it aligns the wrist in a straight, neutral position over the shaft.
  
  We've tested initial mock-ups and found them to be quite comfortable, but of course the more testing the better!
  
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Philip Stankus

5 months ago

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Is it possible to easily adjust the height?

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- Kelly Custer
  
  Philip Stankus
  
  5 months ago
  
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  Z
  
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  Good question, Philip! The shaft is available in 3 sizes so at the time of purchase you would choose the one that fits your height.
  
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Patricio Ortiz

5 months ago

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More designs with this approach are needed for the elderly. I´m also intrigued by the design of the grip in the cane used by Dieter Rams in Gary Huswith's documentary of him. Which company makes that one?

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- Kelly Custer
  
  Patricio Ortiz
  
  5 months ago
  
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  Yes, Dieter's cane is beautiful! It was designed by Nanna Ditzel in 1958.
  
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