Ergonomic Mobility Aid Redesign for Older Adults Using QFD and Concurrent Engineering

Global increases in life expectancy have led to a growing proportion of older adults experiencing functional decline and mobility limitations. In Indonesia, older adults account for 11.75% of the population, with musculoskeletal disorders being a major cause of disability and fall-related injuries. Mobility aids are essential to support independence and reduce fall risk. However, many existing designs lack adequate ergonomic considerations, limiting comfort and usability. This study aimed to optimize mobility aid design by applying ergonomic principles and a user-centered development approach to improve safety, functionality, and quality of life among older adults. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was used to translate user needs into technical specifications, while Concurrent Engineering was applied to integrate ergonomic and technical considerations throughout the design and prototyping stages. The resulting design incorporates adjustable height, a foldable seat, lightweight durable materials, and a reliable braking system. Verification confirmed compliance with key technical requirements, including a handbrake force of 120 N and a height adjustment range of 75–88 cm. Validation with 30 older adult users demonstrated high satisfaction, particularly with stability and braking performance. Overall, the proposed mobility aid shows potential to enhance safety, usability, and functional independence among older adults.

Keywords: Older Adult, Ergonomic Design, Mobility Aid, QFD, Concurrent Engineering

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susmitha canny Telkom University

Susmitha Canny, S.T., MBA, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. Her areas of expertise include human factors, cognitive ergonomics, and sustainable system design.

Bagus Anugrah Ramadhan Telkom University

Bagus Anugrah Ramadhan is a faculty member in the Department of Engineering Management, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia. He holds a master's degree in Industrial Engineering from Universitas Indonesia. His areas of expertise include human factors, cognitive ergonomics, and product design.

Nur Fitria Ningsih Bandung Polytechnic for Manufacturing

Nur Fitria Ningsih, S.T., M.T. is a faculty member in the Departement of Manufacturing Engineering, Bandung Polytechnic for Manufacturing, Bandung, Indonesia. She holds a Master Degree in Industrial Engineering from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology. Her areas of expertise include manufacturing engineering technology and ergonomics.