Vertiwalk Vertical Walking (vertiwalk.com)

Article summary

The Vertiwalk system is a new way to move between floors in a building, requiring only a fraction of the effort of taking stairs and no external energy. It is designed to help people with limited mobility live independently and stay active. The system has been presented at the Venice Architecture Biennale and is being developed with input from medics and academics. The goal is to make it available to those who need it and to explore new ways of moving vertically in cities.

Main themes

• vertical mobility
• assistive technology
• sustainable design
• accessibility
• rock climbing techniques
• urban planning
• product design
• user experience

What commenters say

• The Vertiwalk system resembles a technique used in rock climbing called prusiks, which allows for efficient ascent with minimal effort.
• Some commenters find the video presentation to be poorly designed, with annoying overdubbing and lack of control over playback.
• The system's potential to aid people with disabilities is seen as a major benefit, but some worry about the cost and potential zoning restrictions.
• Experienced climbers note that the system is similar to existing ascenders, but with a more user-friendly design.
• The lack of accessibility features in the video presentation is seen as ironic given the product's purpose.
• Some commenters are skeptical about the system's safety and effectiveness, particularly for descending.
• The design aesthetic of the system is praised by some, but others find it to be overly simplistic or unappealing.
• The system's potential for adoption is seen as dependent on factors such as cost, zoning regulations, and user acceptance.