London 2012 Olympics Helps Create a New UK Manufacturing Company

poolpodCASE STUDY

London 2012 Olympics helps create a new UK manufacturing company.

When the Olympic Delivery Authority for London 2012 could not find a pool lift (a device to assist disabled people to enter and exit a swimming pool) that satisfied their exacting requirements for functionality and accessibility, they launched an international competition to find the right design.

Poolpod Products LTD, a creative industrial design company based in Glasgow UK, took up the challenge and submitted their designs for the Poolpod, a unique submersible platform lift. The company’s innovative solution to the brief, adaptable industrial design skills, and progressive user-focused design philosophy ensured that the ODA selected them to develop their ideas.

The ODA brief was clear about the limitations of existing products;

"Swimming pool access hoists are archaic and impractical, stigmatise users and are labour-intensive to operate and oversee"

However the ODA were positive about the potential impact a new product could have in the UK as part of the 2012 legacy.

“This is an opportunity for London 2012 to provide the UK design industry with another platform to demonstrate their creativity. It is a challenging brief but I’m confident the UK has the expertise to develop an innovative solution that could potentially benefit disabled swimmers across the world.”ODA Chairman John Armitt

Throughout the project the design team were exposed to numerous design challenges, but their ability to provide inventivesolutions (such as the hands free operation of the system) coupled with a robust and constructive partnership between client and design team helped maintain the momentum of the development process and ensured the functional and commercial success of the Poolpod.

The ODA envisage that the Poolpod will be seen as a piece of pool equipment (to help a broad range of pool users) rather than a medical aid. Any swimmer who finds using a pool ladder inappropriate can use Poolpod simply, easily and quickly. The system incorporates three unique selling points: the Poolpod platform lift, an incorporated submersible wheelchair, and the hands free design of the system.

The pivot action of the platform lift, coupled with a robust mechanical design, means access to the pool is fast and reliable. The lift remains level during its deployment phase and is stowed neatly on the side of the pool when not in use.

Incorporated into the system is a custom designed submersible wheelchair. This allows wheelchair users to remain seated until they are comfortable with the water depth, offering huge benefits to both comfort and usability. This element of the design has removed the need for people to make a poolside transfer from a wheelchair into an assistant operated hoist, which are undignified, impractical and impossible to use independently.

Proximity wristbands allow a user to operate the machine by placing their wristband by the descent / ascent controls. This allows the user to control the descent and ascent of the Poolpod whether from the poolside, on the device or in the water. The system also allows an individual to adjust the depth to which the Poolpod submerges.

Pool operators and end users have been universally positive about the design of the Poolpod. Realising the market potential of the product,Poolpod Products LTD was established a new manufacturing company, to market and sell both the Poolpod and further exciting product lines.

Josh Reid, Entrepreneur and Managing DirectorPoolpod Products LTD notes;

“We know our products have huge worldwide potential, and offer a step change in the standard of access facilities at swimming pools for people with disabilities. Our next challenge, especially in foreign markets, is to meet and work in partnership with the right people who can help direct us to new potential business “