Sebastian Fältström is studying in the Master’s Programme in Design Ecologies at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design. He considers older adults to be a somewhat neglected group when it comes to design.
“You don’t lose interest in design simply because you get old, but industry clearly has no interest in designing for this target group. I wanted to create something that offers added value as well as functionality,” says Fältström.
During the spring, Fältström won the Young Swedish Design 2025 award for his Wood Walker which, as the name suggests, is a walker manufactured in wood.
The idea for the project was born out of a critical review of products for older adults and people with disabilities. During a visit to a trade fair to study the products currently on offer, Fältström was struck by a number of deficiencies. Greeted by a plethora of products manufactured from cheap materials, often outside Europe, he found the designs soulless in many regards.
“It was interesting to see just how little love had been put into both the choice of materials and designs.”
By using wood for a product traditionally made of plastic or metal, Fältström wanted to alter perceptions of design for older adults.
Wood Walker was also an opportunity for an in-depth study of wood.
The entire walker is handcrafted by Fältström. The process took around two weeks.
The result is a walker manufactured from eight different types of wood, each chosen for its specific properties. The seat consists of cherry, apple and damson. The frame and wheels are made from alder, oak, beech and birch, and the handles are juniper.
“I was keen to use the unique character of the wood to create a different feeling for the user – something tactile and tangible. For example, for the handles, which are closest to the user’s face, I used juniper wood for its scent.”
Despite the fact that wood is a natural choice for designers, Fältström believes that there are many aspects of the material yet to be explored.
“I still consider wood to be an underutilised material. There are so many types of wood to choose from, but it is easy to get into a rut of using the well-known ones. By challenging industry standards and giving new value to traditional materials, we can help to take product design in a new direction in which craft and functionality go hand in hand.”
Text: Nellie Östman Foto: privat