Identification of design requirements for rugby wheelchairs using the QFD method

Rugby wheelchairs are typically customized and designed based primarily on the athletes `body measurements. To date, relationships between anthropometric data and performance characteristics for individual athletes have not been addressed in an optimal manner in wheelchair design. This paper addresses the application of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method for rugby wheelchairs design. Discussion of the QFD analysis results will identify relevant performance parameters to be used as a reference in the customization of `low, mid and high pointer¿ wheelchairs as well as the specific design features that are required to be parameterised in order to achieve the desired performance output for each category of athletes. The paper will present the findings of the QFD analysis and the design customisation strategies arising.