Most often, walking aids are physical products people do not like to identify with. On a level of design one of the reasons is the unemotional and medical appearance most walking aids express.

With Plywood Companion I designed a reinterpretation of a walker as a modern aid for people who rely on this support every single day. By using wood as the main material and giving it an individual shape the walker is taken away from the usual medical character towards a more attractive companion. Besides the pleasant feel of moulded wood the material’s special properties comply with the requirements of my concept. It is a lightweight material that achieves high stability with low thicknesss that nevertheless gives way under pressure and with that makes possible a soft and comfortable support. Two pads made of natural rubber surround the handle and enable a comfortable grip.
By varying the material thickness the relationship between flexibility and stability of the walker can be controlled and customized to suit individual needs and weight classes. To get the required length of Plywood Companion you simply cut the material.