Stand - Paediatric Upright Stander | 2022

Designers: PDR, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Manufacturer: PDR, Cardiff, United Kingdom

Up to 1 in 400 children are affected by cerebral palsy, over 30,000 in the UK alone. Pediatric standers assist children with limited mobility by supporting kids who are unable to maintain an upright position on their own. Time spent in a pediatric stander can also prevent bone fractures, reduce leg spasticity, minimize hip problems, and prevent pressure sores from developing.

Designs have not changed substantially in decades with a complex adjustable steel framework as the dominant presentation. Current pediatric standers contribute to feelings of isolation and stigmatization for families and children suffering from cerebral palsy. Stand has been designed specifically from a user-centered perspective with a form, material choice, and finish that are designed to encourage use and reduce stigmatization for both child and parents without compromising functionality.

Drawing upon a user-centred perspective and using more accessible and contemporary design cues, Stand aims to produce a fully adjustable, functional stander that does not carry the clinical, heavy, and isolating emotional content of current designs. The product can be easily set up and adjusted for use and secures the child safely in natural, easily cleaned materials. A work tray and other accessories are easily attached whilst different base options encourage walking or upright stance and play.

Stand’s modular design can grow and adjust with the child throughout their life. A strong user-centered approach is key to producing a stander unit that provides modularity, growth, and adjustability with a design that is specifically designed with the user and their family in mind and to reduce isolation and stigmatization.

Careful structural and ergonomic study underlies a new form that replaces metal frames and fittings with natural materials and soft-touch finishes.
Fully adjustable, Stand secures a child comfortably to allow them to play, learn and eat with a modular design that grows with the child. Stand has been received positively in the community allowing children and families affected by Cerebral Palsy to enjoy a more inclusive life together whilst providing maximum support and health benefits from standing. Made predominantly from natural and recycled materials, Stand is designed to grow and age with the child and have a lifetime of use.