2GO

The project

2GO is a project developed during the "Workshop materiales dinámicos" at Elisava for the company Iwalk; it was made in colaboration with Paul Avertin, Borja Merino and Albert Montalvo. The project addresses the ergonomic deficiencies in current Nordic walking equipment, specifically focusing on the aging population and individuals with hand mobility issues.

Research indicates that Nordic walking is predominantly practiced by middle-aged and older adults, a demographic where the prevalence of diagnosed osteoarthritis in Spain reaches 22.4%. Despite this, traditional walking poles remain rigid and fail to adapt to users with arthritis or reduced grip strength. iwalk was born to bridge this gap, enhancing accessibility through material innovation.

The process

The development process was driven by a deep dive into dynamic materials and user-centric research.

Problem Identification: Analyzing the mismatch between current rigid poles and the physiological needs of the primary user base, specifically practitioners with arthritis.
Field Research & User Testing: To validate the design, the team conducted first-hand testing during a real Nordic walking class. This direct contact with the sport and its practitioners allowed for real-time feedback on ergonomics and movement flow.
Material Experimentation: Selecting PCL for the grip due to its biodegradable properties and medical-grade safety , allowing for a "mold-on-demand" ergonomic solution.
Technical Refinement: Designing the LOCK system, a durable thread-based mechanism for pole adjustment , and developing specialized tips (Carbon Plate Terra) to ensure stability across diverse terrains.
Final Prototyping: Combining carbon fiber structures with ergonomic interfaces to create a product that is not just seen, but experienced as a natural extension of the body.

Ergo grip

Ergo Grip: A customizable handle made of Polycaprolactone (PCL), a medical-grade thermoplastic with a low melting point. This allows the grip to be molded to the unique identity of each user's hand, creating a perfect ergonomic bond that remains strong once cooled.

Black 2GO

Black 2 GO Concept: A high-performance iteration of the pole utilizing carbon fiber braiding for dynamic advantages. This includes professional "Pads" (tips) with rubber soles for asphalt grip and a carbon plate version for natural terrain.

Handle

New adjusting system

Professional Pads

Dragonera

The Dragonera (Strap): A new strap design that prioritizes control and comfort. It features a triple-layer padded structure with a Velcro adjustment system to fit various hand sizes. The design specifically eliminates pressure in the thumb area and increases the support surface at the wrist to distribute effort more naturally.