SoleMate
Portable foot and backrest to improve student sitting ergonomics in common spaces
Key Responsibilities: User Research, Form Development, Performance Testing
Skills & Tools: User interviews, user observation, journey mapping, hand sketching, SolidWorks, Bridgeport mill
Timeline: 10 weeks (2025)
I learned to look beyond what users say and pay closer attention to their behaviors, environment, and workarounds. Observing these details helped me turn research insights into more informed design decisions.
Our Problem
Problem: College students studying for long periods are often poorly supported by the generic chairs found in University libraries, leading them to adopt uncomfortable or unhealthy seating positions.
How might we help students to sit more comfortably and maintain healthier posture in chairs in common spaces.
User Journey Map
I learned ... how to design for and communicate with a specific user. I started learning SolidWorks and rapid prototyped with 3D-printing. I specifically focused on ergonomics of the design and the on the color, material, and finish of the product. I gained valuable experience collaborating within a team to bring a product from concept to prototype for the first time!
User Requirements
I observed and interviewed students in Northwestern libraries and common spaces and decided on 3 requirements
Portable: Fits into backpack for easy transportation
Height Adjustable: Has different height settings to accommodate different users
Supportive: Promotes healthy and comfortable sitting
Market Whitespace
There are currently existing products focused on enhancing sitting ergonomics, but we discovered a market whitespace for portable options that give the user both back and feet support
Ideation
I ideated based on user requirements and prototyped 4 designs.
Rapid Prototypes
Umbrella Style
❌ Awkward
Wedge Blocks
✅ Back Rest
❌ Bulky
Backpack Platform
❌ inaccessible
Multi-Level
✅ Compact
✅ Adjustable
Seven users evaluated usability, comfort, portability, and overall intuitiveness of each prototype. These insights led us toward a adjustable, foldable design with a backrest component with the size and form of a laptop.
Final Design
The Solemate features an adjustable footrest platform paired with a removable gel cushion.
Telescoping legs provide three height settings and fold inward for compact storage, with rubber feet ensuring stability.
The cushion adds soft support on the platform or functions as a lumbar backrest using adjustable straps.
Manufacturing
To create the final prototype we purchased an adjustable step stool and cushion which we altered to fit design requirements using the vertical bandsaw, belt sander, bridgeport mill, and sewing machine.
Performance Testing
The final prototype met all key size and allowable portability metrics, and user testing showed quick setup for experienced users with improving times for new users.
How to use Solemate
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