Tessa Wheeler

Industrial Design, 2020

The MEWE Made chair was inspired by teen Pectus Excavatum patients recovering from an invasive chest surgery. For about three months, patients are advised to avoid twisting, bending, pulling, and lifting no more than five pounds during their recovery period. These restrictions play a large role in not only the patient’s physical health, but mental health as well. Daily tasks – such as getting in and out of bed or walking to the restroom – become nearly impossible without assistance. 

In response, MEWE was created to provide patients with the freedom to move about more independently and adjust their personal seating area more easily. MEWE effortlessly adjusts to fit any mattress and can be easily altered to match any individual’s personal needs. The adjustable recliner acts as an affordable replacement for other expensive and bulky recovery furniture. The $65 MEWE Made chair is completely flat-packable for storage and acts as a customizable “Made by me” furniture solution.

Tessa Wheeler is a passionate creative interested in curating delightful user experiences and memories through design. She believes ideation and empathy are two of the most important factors when exploring solutions to design problems. Outside the classroom, Tessa served as Design Director for TEDxOhioStateUniversity and runs her own small business. Professionally, she wants to be a part of a diverse team that creates entertaining experiences through both their products and actions. 

View more of her work at here