How to humanize the design of electric wheelchairs for the Japanese market

How to humanize the design of electric wheelchairs for the Japanese market

1. Analysis of the characteristics of the Japanese market

1.1 Demands of an aging society
Japan is one of the most aging countries in the world. As of 2023, the proportion of people over 65 years old is as high as 29.1%. The demand for electric wheelchairs in this large elderly group continues to grow, and the demand characteristics are relatively special.
Travel demand: Japan’s urban transportation is well developed, but many old communities and traditional buildings have incomplete barrier-free facilities. Electric wheelchairs need to have good passability and can easily cope with complex road conditions such as narrow passages and steps. According to statistics, more than 30% of the elderly in Japan live in old residential areas, and the portability and flexibility of electric wheelchairs are extremely high.
Health care needs: As they age, the physical functions of the elderly decline. Electric wheelchairs are not only a means of travel, but also should have certain health care functions. For example, the elderly who use wheelchairs for a long time are prone to pressure sores, so they need to be equipped with comfortable seats and good pressure dispersion systems. According to a survey, more than 70% of Japanese elderly electric wheelchair users hope that the wheelchair can provide better body support and pressure relief functions.
Social needs: Japanese elderly people pay attention to social activities, and electric wheelchairs should facilitate them to participate in community activities, outdoor gatherings, etc. Data shows that about 60% of Japanese elderly people go out for social activities at least 3 times a week, and the appearance design and ease of operation of electric wheelchairs are crucial to meet this demand.
1.2 Consumer preferences and cultural characteristics
Japanese consumers have extremely high requirements for product quality and details, and cultural characteristics also have a profound impact on the design of electric wheelchairs.
Quality first: Japanese consumers are extremely concerned about the durability and reliability of products. The quality of electric wheelchair components, battery life and after-sales service are key factors they consider. Surveys show that more than 80% of Japanese consumers give priority to brand reputation and product quality when purchasing electric wheelchairs.
Simple and beautiful: Japanese culture emphasizes simplicity, nature and harmony, and consumers prefer simple and exquisite product designs. The appearance of electric wheelchairs should be simple and smooth, with coordinated colors, and avoid overly complicated designs. According to market research, simple-style electric wheelchairs are 40% more popular in the Japanese market than complex designs.
Sense of technology and intelligence: Japan is a technological power, and consumers have a high acceptance of high-tech products. Electric wheelchairs equipped with intelligent navigation, voice control, remote monitoring and other functions will be more popular. For example, the sales volume of electric wheelchairs with intelligent navigation systems in the Japanese market is 30% higher than that of ordinary wheelchairs.
Personalized customization: Japanese consumers pay attention to personalization and have customized requirements for the size, color, function and other aspects of electric wheelchairs. About 40% of consumers are willing to pay extra for personalized customization to meet their special needs.
Strong environmental awareness: Japanese society has a strong environmental awareness, and consumers tend to choose products made of environmentally friendly materials. Electric wheelchairs with environmentally friendly designs such as recyclable materials and low-energy batteries will be more competitive in the market. According to the survey, the market share of environmentally friendly electric wheelchairs in the Japanese market is growing at a rate of 10% per year.

2. Humanized design principles
2.1 Comfort design
For the humanized design of electric wheelchairs for the Japanese market, comfort is the primary consideration, which is closely related to the physical condition and use needs of Japanese elderly people.
Seat design: Considering that the elderly who use wheelchairs for a long time are prone to pressure sores, the seats should be made of high-density foam materials or gel materials, which can effectively disperse pressure and reduce local pressure on the body. According to research, the incidence of pressure sores can be reduced by 30% by using seats with good pressure dispersion function. At the same time, the shape of the seat should be ergonomic, provide good waist and back support, and ensure riding comfort.
Size adaptation: Japanese elderly people are relatively small in stature, and the size of electric wheelchairs should be precisely designed according to the Japanese body shape. There should be a variety of specifications for seat height, width and depth to meet the body sizes of different users. For example, the adjustable range of seat height should be between 40-50 cm, the width between 40-45 cm, and the depth between 35-40 cm to ensure that users can sit and stand up comfortably.
Material selection: In terms of materials, in addition to considering comfort, environmental protection and durability must also be taken into account. The seat surface can be made of breathable, waterproof, and easy-to-clean fabrics, such as polyurethane leather, which is not only comfortable, but also easy to maintain and has a long service life. At the same time, the frame material of the wheelchair should be selected from high-strength, lightweight aluminum alloy or carbon fiber to reduce the overall weight of the wheelchair and facilitate carrying and operation.
2.2 Design for ease of operation
Ease of operation is crucial for elderly Japanese users, which not only affects their experience of use, but also directly affects their convenience of life.
Control method: Considering that Japanese elderly people have a high degree of acceptance of technological products, electric wheelchairs should be equipped with a variety of control methods to meet the needs of different users. In addition to traditional handle control, voice control and intelligent navigation functions can also be added. The voice control function allows users to operate the wheelchair through simple voice commands, such as “forward”, “backward”, “turn left”, “turn right”, etc., which is convenient for users with weak hand strength or mobility difficulties. The intelligent navigation system can automatically drive according to the preset path, helping users to easily reach their destination and reduce the operating burden.
Portability design: In order to facilitate use in complex road conditions such as narrow passages and steps, electric wheelchairs should have good portability. For example, the wheelchair can be designed to be foldable, and the folded volume should be as small as possible for easy storage and carrying. According to a survey, the popularity of foldable electric wheelchairs in the Japanese market is 50% higher than that of non-foldable ones. In addition, the weight of the wheelchair should also be controlled within a reasonable range, generally not exceeding 20 kilograms, so that users can easily carry it.
Operation interface: The operation interface should be concise and clear, in line with the Japanese consumers’ preference for simplicity and beauty. The buttons and display screens on the control panel should be designed with large fonts and high contrast to facilitate reading and operation by the elderly. At the same time, a one-button start and stop function can be set to reduce the user’s operation steps and improve the convenience of use.
Auxiliary functions: In order to further improve the convenience of operation, electric wheelchairs can be equipped with some auxiliary functions. For example, automatic lifting pedals and adjustable armrests can be installed to facilitate users to get on and off the wheelchair. In addition, a brake locking device can be set to ensure that the wheelchair does not slide when it stops, improving the safety of use.

3. Technology application and innovation

3.1 Application of intelligent control technology
For electric wheelchairs in the Japanese market, the application of intelligent control technology is the key to improving product competitiveness.
Intelligent navigation system: Equipped with advanced sensors and positioning technology, the intelligent navigation system can achieve automatic obstacle avoidance and path planning. In Japan’s complex living environment, such as narrow streets and old communities, this function can help users shuttle easily. According to tests, the traffic efficiency of electric wheelchairs equipped with an intelligent navigation system in complex environments is 40% higher than that of ordinary wheelchairs.
Voice interaction function: Considering the acceptance of technology by Japanese elderly people, the voice interaction function allows users to operate wheelchairs through voice commands, such as “forward” and “turn”. In addition, the voice interaction system can also provide multi-language support to meet the needs of different users. Data shows that the sales volume of electric wheelchairs equipped with voice interaction function in the Japanese market is 20% higher than that of ordinary wheelchairs.
Remote monitoring and assistance: For elderly people with limited mobility, the remote monitoring function allows family members or caregivers to view the location and status of the wheelchair in real time through mobile phone applications. In emergency situations, the remote assistance function can also help operate the wheelchair to ensure the safety of the user. According to the survey, about 60% of Japanese consumers believe that the remote monitoring function is very important for electric wheelchairs.
3.2 Battery technology optimization
The optimization of battery technology is crucial to the endurance and ease of use of electric wheelchairs.
High energy density battery: Using the latest lithium-ion battery technology, the battery energy density of electric wheelchairs can reach more than 250Wh/kg, and the cruising range can be increased by 30%. This is especially important for the frequent outings of Japanese elderly people, ensuring that the wheelchair can meet the needs of a whole day after a single charge.
Fast charging technology: Fast charging technology can charge electric wheelchairs to 80% of their capacity within 30 minutes, greatly shortening the charging time. This is very practical for emergency travel or temporary charging scenarios, and improves the efficiency of wheelchair use. According to market research, the fast charging function can increase the market competitiveness of electric wheelchairs by 25%.
Battery management system: The advanced battery management system can monitor the temperature, voltage and power of the battery in real time to ensure the safety and service life of the battery. Through intelligent algorithms, the battery management system can also optimize the charging process and extend the battery life. Data shows that the battery life of electric wheelchairs equipped with a battery management system can be extended by 20%.

4. Product safety design

4.1 Stability design
For electric wheelchairs in the Japanese market, stability design is one of the key factors to ensure the safe use of the product. Japan has complex terrain, and there are ramps and uneven roads in many areas, so electric wheelchairs need to have good stability.
Low center of gravity design: Electric wheelchairs should adopt a low center of gravity design, install the battery and main components at the bottom of the wheelchair, lower the center of gravity of the wheelchair, and improve its stability on slopes and uneven roads. According to experimental tests, the stability of electric wheelchairs with a low center of gravity design on slopes is 30% higher than that of ordinary designs.
Wide wheelbase design: Increasing the wheelbase width of the wheelchair can effectively improve the lateral stability of the wheelchair. In the narrow streets and passages in Japan, the wide wheelbase design can prevent the wheelchair from tipping over when turning. It is generally recommended that the wheelbase width be between 60-70 cm to ensure the stability of the wheelchair under various road conditions.
Anti-rollover device: Equipped with anti-rollover devices, such as anti-roll bars or anti-roll wheels, which can be automatically triggered when the wheelchair tilts to prevent the wheelchair from tipping over. According to a survey, the accident rate of electric wheelchairs equipped with anti-rollover devices in the Japanese market is 40% lower than that of those without anti-rollover devices.
Dynamic balance system: Using an advanced dynamic balance system, the sensor monitors the tilt angle and speed of the wheelchair in real time, automatically adjusts the center of gravity of the wheelchair, and maintains balance. This system can effectively protect the safety of users in complex road conditions and emergencies.
4.2 Emergency braking and protection design
Emergency braking and protection design are important guarantees for the safety of electric wheelchairs, and can protect users from injury in emergency situations.
Emergency braking system: Electric wheelchairs should be equipped with a sensitive emergency braking system, and users can quickly stop the wheelchair through simple operations (such as pressing the emergency brake button). The emergency brake button should be set in a position that is easy for users to reach, such as on the handrail or handle. According to tests, the braking distance of an electric wheelchair equipped with an emergency brake system in an emergency is 20% shorter than that of an ordinary wheelchair.
Automatic braking function: When the wheelchair stops moving, the automatic braking function can automatically lock the wheelchair to prevent it from sliding. This function is particularly important when parking on a slope or temporarily parking, and can effectively avoid the danger caused by accidental sliding of the wheelchair.
Protective devices: Electric wheelchairs should be equipped with necessary protective devices, such as seat belts, hand guards and anti-collision buffers. Seat belts can prevent users from moving during emergency braking or bumps; hand guards can prevent users’ hands from being injured during operation; anti-collision buffers can reduce the impact force when the wheelchair collides and protect the safety of users. According to market research, the user satisfaction of electric wheelchairs equipped with complete protective devices in the Japanese market is 35% higher than that of electric wheelchairs without them.
Warning devices: Equipped with sound and light warning devices, such as horns and flashing lights, can remind pedestrians and vehicles around to avoid the wheelchair during driving, reducing the risk of collision. Especially in Japan’s busy traffic areas and poor visibility environments, the role of warning devices is particularly prominent.

5. Product appearance and detail design

5.1 Appearance design and Japanese aesthetics
For the Japanese market, the appearance design of electric wheelchairs needs to be deeply in line with Japanese aesthetics to enhance product appeal and market competitiveness.
Minimalist style: Japanese culture advocates simplicity and nature. The appearance of electric wheelchairs should be based on simple and smooth lines, avoiding complicated decorations. According to market research, the popularity of simple style electric wheelchairs in the Japanese market is 40% higher than that of complex designs. For example, the overall shape can be combined with geometric shapes to reduce unnecessary curves and corners, making the product look refreshing and neat.
Color matching coordination: Japanese consumers prefer soft and natural colors, such as beige, light gray, light blue, etc. These colors not only give people a sense of tranquility and comfort, but also blend with common home environments and natural landscapes in Japan. In terms of color matching, single colors or gradients of the same color system can be used to avoid strong contrasting colors to create a harmonious and unified visual effect.
Incorporating cultural elements: Appropriately incorporating Japanese cultural elements can enhance the fit between products and local culture. For example, representative Japanese elements such as cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji can be used in the decorative patterns of wheelchairs, but it should be noted that the use of elements should be simple and abstract, avoiding being too complicated, so as to maintain the overall simple style.
5.2 Detailed design improves user experience
Detailed design is the key to improving the user experience of electric wheelchairs. It is necessary to start from the usage habits and psychological needs of Japanese consumers and carefully polish every detail.
Armrest design: The height of the armrest should be adjustable to meet the needs of users of different heights. At the same time, the surface of the armrest should be wrapped with soft materials, such as silicone or leather, to increase the comfort and anti-slip properties of the grip. In addition, the end of the armrest can be designed into a rounded shape to prevent scratches on users or others.
Foot pedal details: The foot pedal should have good load-bearing and anti-slip properties, and the surface can be set with anti-slip textures or particles. Its height and angle should also be adjustable, so that users can adjust it according to their own leg length and comfort. A hidden storage space can be set under the foot pedal to place small objects, such as crutches, umbrellas, etc., to increase the practicality of the product.
Wheelchair handle: The wheelchair handle is an important part when the caregiver or family member pushes the wheelchair. Its design should be ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The handle material can be made of wood or metal with soft wrapping to enhance the texture and comfort. At the same time, the handle length should be moderate and easy to operate.
Battery compartment design: The battery compartment should be easy to disassemble and install, so that users can replace the battery. Its position should be reasonably arranged without affecting the overall appearance and center of gravity balance of the wheelchair. An indicator light can be set on the battery compartment cover to display the battery power status and remind users to charge in time.
Personalized customization details: In order to meet the pursuit of personalization by Japanese consumers, customized services can be provided in certain parts of the wheelchair, such as seat color, wheel style, etc. The customization options should be diverse, but the operation process should be simple to avoid causing too much trouble to the user.

6. Product testing and feedback

6.1 Japanese user testing
In order to ensure the adaptability of electric wheelchairs for the Japanese market, a series of Japanese user testing activities were carried out.
Test subjects: Japanese elderly users of different age groups, physical conditions and living environments were selected, covering urban and rural areas, with a sample size of 300 people to ensure that the test results are widely representative.
Test environment: The test scenarios include old residential areas, traditional buildings, narrow streets, parks, etc., which are common in Japan, simulating various complex road conditions of users’ daily travel, as well as scenarios of use at home, to comprehensively evaluate the performance of electric wheelchairs.
Test indicators: Test from multiple aspects such as comfort, ease of operation, intelligent functions, safety, and appearance design. For example, the comfort and pressure dispersion effect of the seat are tested by long-term riding; the passability, stability and portability of the wheelchair are tested under different road conditions; the accuracy and practicality of functions such as intelligent navigation and voice control are tested; the effectiveness of safety performance such as emergency braking and protective devices is evaluated; and users’ subjective evaluation of product appearance and detailed design is collected.
Test results: Preliminary test results show that most users are satisfied with the comfort and ease of operation of electric wheelchairs, and believe that the seat design is ergonomic and multiple control methods are easy to use. The intelligent navigation system performs well in Japan’s complex environment, and the traffic efficiency is significantly improved. However, some users also reported that the turning radius of the wheelchair in narrow passages still needs to be further optimized; some users proposed improvement suggestions for the recognition accuracy of the voice interaction system; in terms of appearance design, a few users hope to add more personalized customization options.
6.2 Feedback Collection and Improvement
Based on the feedback from the Japanese user test, a detailed improvement plan was formulated.
Feedback Collection Methods: Collect user feedback through questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, online communication groups and other methods. The questionnaire survey covered all test users, with a recovery rate of 90%; 50 representative users were selected for face-to-face interviews to deeply understand their specific feelings and suggestions during use; the online communication group provides users with a platform for continuous feedback, which is convenient for collecting users’ latest opinions at any time.
Improvement Measures: Analyze and improve the problems reported by users one by one. For the turning radius problem, the steering system of the wheelchair was redesigned to make it more flexible in turning in narrow passages, and the turning radius was reduced by 15%. For the recognition accuracy of the voice interaction system, the voice recognition algorithm was optimized, and the training data of the localized language model was increased, which increased the recognition accuracy from 85% to 95%. In terms of appearance design, 5 personalized colors and 3 wheel styles are added for users to choose from to meet the aesthetic needs of different users.
Improvement effect evaluation: The improved electric wheelchair was tested on a small scale again, with a sample size of 100 people. The test results show that users’ satisfaction with the improved electric wheelchair has significantly improved, and all performance indicators have reached the expected goals. The optimization of the turning radius makes the wheelchair passable in narrow passages smoother; the improvement of the voice interaction system effectively improves the user’s operating convenience; the increase in personalized customization options further enhances the product’s appeal.

7. Marketing and service

7.1 Marketing strategy
For the promotion of electric wheelchairs in the Japanese market, it is necessary to formulate a comprehensive promotion strategy in combination with the characteristics of Japanese consumers and the market environment.
Advertising: Place advertisements on mainstream media platforms in Japan, such as television, newspapers, magazines, and online media. Television advertisements can be broadcast during time periods when the elderly watch more, such as morning news, health and wellness programs, etc., and vivid advertising plots can be used to show the convenience and comfort of electric wheelchairs. Newspaper and magazine advertisements can be placed in elderly care, health, and lifestyle publications to accurately reach the target audience. Online advertisements can use social media platforms and search engine advertisements to push advertisements to Japanese elderly people and their families who have needs through precise positioning functions. According to surveys, brand awareness can be increased by 30% after advertising.
Offline experience stores: Open offline experience stores in major cities in Japan and communities where the elderly gather. Experience stores are not only a place to display products, but also a platform for user experience and trial. The store can be equipped with professional sales staff to provide users with detailed explanations and operation demonstrations, allowing users to experience the comfort and convenience of electric wheelchairs in person. Data shows that the opening of offline experience stores can increase the trial rate of products by 40%, thereby promoting sales.
Cooperative promotion: Establish cooperative relationships with medical institutions, nursing homes, community service centers, etc. in Japan. These institutions have close contact with the elderly and can provide recommendation and promotion channels for electric wheelchairs. For example, cooperate with medical institutions to promote electric wheelchairs as rehabilitation aids; cooperate with nursing homes to provide trial opportunities for the elderly in nursing homes, and expand the influence of products through word-of-mouth communication. Cooperative promotion can increase the market penetration of products by 20%.
Participate in exhibitions and events: Actively participate in medical, elderly care, rehabilitation and other related exhibitions and events in Japan. Display the latest products and technologies of electric wheelchairs at the exhibition, and communicate and interact with professionals and potential customers in the industry. By participating in exhibitions, you can enhance the brand’s visibility and influence in the industry, while obtaining more market information and customer resources. Exhibition activities can increase product exposure by 35%.
7.2 After-sales service and support
High-quality after-sales service is the key to improving user satisfaction and brand loyalty, and is crucial for the promotion of electric wheelchairs in the Japanese market.
After-sales service network: Establish a complete after-sales service network in major cities in Japan and set up professional after-sales service centers. The after-sales service center can provide one-stop services such as product repair, maintenance, and consultation to ensure that users can get timely solutions when they encounter problems. According to surveys, a complete after-sales service network can increase user satisfaction by 30%.
Quick response mechanism: Establish a quick response mechanism to ensure that users can respond quickly after raising questions. For example, a 24-hour customer service hotline is set up, and users can contact customer service personnel at any time by phone to obtain technical support and solutions. Customer service personnel should respond to users’ questions within 1 hour and arrange for maintenance personnel to provide door-to-door service within 24 hours. The quick response mechanism can reduce users’ waiting time by 40% and improve users’ service experience.
Regular return visits and maintenance: Regular return visits are made to users who purchase electric wheelchairs to understand the problems and suggestions encountered by users during use, and to make timely improvements and optimizations. At the same time, regular free maintenance services are provided to users, such as checking batteries, cleaning seats, lubricating parts, etc., to ensure the good operation of the product. Regular return visits and maintenance can reduce the failure rate of products by 25% and extend the service life of products.
Training and education: Provide users with product use training and education services. Through online video tutorials, offline training courses, etc., help users better master the operation methods and maintenance skills of electric wheelchairs. In addition, relevant training can be provided to caregivers and family members to ensure that they can correctly assist the elderly in using wheelchairs. Training and education services can increase user satisfaction with product use by 20%.