LAVA – Innovative shower chair for accessibility and autonomy

Inclusive product design in the context of demographic change

Lola Behrens

Januar / January - 2024

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

Bachelor of Arts

Description

LAVA is a healthcare shower chair for people with age-related limitations that promotes their autonomy without barriers thanks to its functionality and appearance. The integration of a shower head and soap holder enables independent showering. The hygiene cut-out is designed so that the genital area can be easily cleaned while seated. The extended armrests provide relief when standing up. Clear shapes facilitate hygienic cleaning of the shower chair, which can be extended for higher care levels in the future. LAVA is designed to meet the needs of all users - such as senior citizens and carers - but can also be valuable for people with similar mobility restrictions following surgery, during pregnancy or due to illness: an advantage of inclusive design. A friendly, warm colour and design language promotes a positive attitude to life, which defies the devaluation of age. The design is intended to be a ray of hope in personal hygiene.