How Anke helped us develop the Rollarbal Quiet
At Rollar, we believe that the best innovations come from truly listening to the people who use our products every day. A good example of this is Anke, a white cane user who shared her experiences and challenges with us, putting us on a valuable track.
The problem Anke raised
Anke said on Facebook that the existing white cane tips didn't work well for her. Wheels made less noise, but jumped over obstacles too easily. Hollow balls broke after just a few weeks, and solid balls were sturdy, but heavy and, above all, they made far too much noise.
For Anke, who has autism in addition to a visual impairment, this was a major problem. The constant sound of the ball on the sidewalk caused overstimulation. She dreamed of a ball that was just as sturdy and safe, but with less noise.
Working together to find a solution
In consultation with her, we set to work developing a rubber cap that fits perfectly over the Rollarbal. The goal was to significantly reduce the noise without compromising the ball's functionality. After several prototypes and tests with Anke, we were able to conclude: this works.
Anke's experience
The best news? Anke now uses her Rollarbal with the rubber cap every day and doesn't want anything else. In her own words:
"Yes, I still use it and don't want anything else. I wonder if I can buy one yet."
She even told us that many other blind and visually impaired people are eager to use this cap as well.
What this means for us
For us at Rollar, this is exactly what it's all about. Innovation doesn't always have to come from behind a desk; sometimes it starts with a single user sharing their problem. By working with people like Anke, we ensure that the Rollarball continues to develop in the direction that the target group needs.
Stories like Anke's motivate us to continue developing, listening, and working together to build mobility solutions that can make a difference.
Are you also sensitive to noise or would you like to try out the Rollarbal rubber cap? Send us an email at info@rollar.nl
