NEW ZEALAND | Industrial designer Jarvis Hutchinson has developed Stride, a crutch concept that aims to make everyday mobility easier by addressing some of the frustrations associated with conventional crutches.
Developed during his studies at Massey University, Stride incorporates a gas spring mechanism designed to help users lower themselves into a seated position while allowing the crutches to collapse for easier storage.
Although the concept is still in its early stages, Hutchinson believes it could have applications for people requiring longer-term mobility support, including older adults.
The inspiration came from a close friend who relied on crutches for almost a year following an injury. Watching him navigate everyday activities highlighted problems that conventional crutch designs did little to address.
"One of the biggest issues we identified was storage. Traditional crutches are physically long and cumbersome, and while they're adjustable for different user heights, they aren't designed to collapse for easy storage."
Hutchinson observed that users often struggled to find somewhere convenient to put their crutches, particularly when sitting down. Leaning them against walls, desks, or tables frequently resulted in them falling over.
"I saw an opportunity to address these smaller but persistent frustrations and make crutches more practical for everyday life."
Stride's proposed solution uses gas springs similar to those found in adjustable office chairs. By pressing a button at the end of the handle, users would activate a mechanism that allows the crutches to collapse in a controlled manner as they lower themselves into a seat.
The design also incorporates padded, angled cuffs intended to help the crutches rest securely against furniture without slipping.
Hutchinson said the initial development was informed by conversations with people who had experienced prolonged crutch use, rather than specifically targeting older adults or healthcare professionals.
"These conversations highlighted that some of the biggest challenges weren't necessarily related to walking, but the smaller interactions surrounding crutch use, such as sitting down, storing crutches and finding somewhere to lean them."
While retirement villages and aged care facilities could be potential environments for Stride, Hutchinson emphasised that the design was not exclusively intended for older users.
"I see Stride being most useful for people who rely on crutches throughout their daily lives, particularly those using them over extended periods."
However, considerable development remains before the concept could become a functional mobility aid.
Stride has not yet progressed beyond conceptual development, and the proposed gas spring mechanism will require testing for stability, load-bearing capacity, reliability, and safety. Hutchinson also intends to seek input from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and older adults as the project develops.
For aged care operators, equipment durability, maintenance, and cost are important considerations. Hutchinson acknowledged that introducing additional mechanical components would increase complexity and manufacturing costs compared with conventional crutches.
"However, considering that crutches are often used every day, I believe there is value in exploring these additional costs if they can meaningfully improve the user's experience."
His immediate priority is to develop a working prototype, refine the mechanism, investigate manufacturing costs, and establish whether the design can operate safely and reliably.
Feedback from users and healthcare professionals would follow, with potential manufacturing partnerships forming part of a longer-term commercialisation pathway.
"For now, the focus is on getting the fundamentals right: building something that works, proving its safety and ensuring it genuinely improves the everyday experience of using crutches."
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Jarvis Hutchinson is a New Zealand-based industrial designer and graduate of Massey University's School of Design. During his studies, he worked as a Junior Industrial Designer at Richard Clarkson Studio and an Industrial Design Technician at the Department of Conservation. Following graduation, he is set to begin an industrial design internship at Aroa Biosurgery, continuing to develop his experience in product design and development.
