Wobbleshroom: Ankle Rehabilitative Product

Preventing Future Ankle Injuries with Fun and Effective Exercise

Ankle injuries, although often considered minor, can lead to long-term instability if not properly treated. Recognizing the importance of improving peroneal muscles to prevent such injuries, Minkyu Seo embarked on a journey to discover suitable exercise routines used by professional athletes. This research led to the discovery of neuromuscular training and whole-body vibration, techniques commonly employed by athletes and NASA astronauts to enhance muscle strength and balance.

The Wobbleshroom stands out from other rehabilitative devices due to its innovative approach to exercise. By incorporating sound and vibration, the device guides users in the correct direction and movement, ensuring a safe and effective workout. Stepping on the Wobbleshroom activates the device, which plays music notes and vibrates specific corners of the upper plate, resembling a mushroom hat. Users are then prompted to tilt their bodies accordingly, engaging their muscles and improving balance.

One of the key challenges in designing the Wobbleshroom was to make rehabilitative exercise accessible and enjoyable for all users. To achieve this, Seo conducted interviews with both users and experts in the field, including doctors from Johns Hopkins University. These insights, combined with data collected from various functional mockups, allowed Seo to create a breakthrough product that seamlessly integrates into users' daily lives without feeling like a chore.

The Wobbleshroom's design is not only functional but also visually appealing. Its mushroom-inspired form adds a playful element to the user experience, transforming mundane rehab exercises into engaging activities. The device's soft PU foam top provides a comfortable grip, preventing users from falling off during use, while the rest of the body is made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, ensuring durability and stability.

With dimensions of 55cm x 38cm and weighing 5kg, the Wobbleshroom is designed to be compact and portable, allowing users to incorporate it into their daily routines wherever they go. A single exercise set on the Wobbleshroom lasts for 3 minutes, providing the recommended safe amount of exercise per day.

The Wobbleshroom has gained recognition for its innovative design and practicality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Sporting Goods, Fitness, and Recreation Equipment Design category in 2022. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, contributing to a better world.

By combining cutting-edge technology, expert research, and a playful design, Minkyu Seo's Wobbleshroom offers a unique and effective solution for ankle rehabilitation. With its focus on preventing future injuries and making exercise enjoyable, this device has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach rehabilitative training.