Project Inclusive

Project Inclusive: Collapsible Table

A co-designed accessibility project developed with Branden Franks and two occupational therapists from Thomas Jefferson University.

Focused on a specific daily challenge in Branden’s life as a wheelchair user, rather than a generalized idea of “accessibility.” Worked directly with Branden and the OT team to shape the design around real movement, preference, reach, comfort, and use.

Designed with a person, not for a category of user.

Observation

Conducted a traditional ethnographic interview alongside informal observation and everyday questioning.

Identified a recurring issue: objects often ended up on Branden’s lap or armrest, where they could fall and create another problem to solve.

Translated that observation into a clear design direction: create a temporary surface that could appear when needed and disappear when not in use.

Form and Mechanism

Selected a tensioned surface to keep the unit light and reduce material use.

Drew from the structure of a fan or bat wing, allowing the table to expand in a half-circle from beneath one wheelchair armrest.

Gave the chair a more expressive quality that Branden responded to enthusiastically — somewhere between useful attachment and Batmobile feature.

Operation

Defined the attachment hardware first, then refined the interaction around range of motion and ease of use.

Used a large cap to keep the unit closed and minimize small, difficult hand motions. When removed, rubber bands at the opposite end allow the surface to expand.

Balanced rubber band tension through several prototypes so the table could stay open, remain stable, and still be easy to close.