Solving a Real-Life UX Challenge: Making My Balcony Safe for My Daughter

Life often presents unexpected challenges that demand creative and practical solutions. One such instance for me was ensuring the safety of my 1.2-year-old daughter on our balcony.

The balcony had a one-foot gap between two fences, creating a serious hazard for a curious toddler eager to explore her surroundings. This situation pushed me to think critically and implement a user-centered solution, not in the context of a product, but in real life. It was a vivid reminder of how design thinking and problem-solving skills can be applied to everyday situations to enhance safety and usability.

Here’s a detailed account of how I tackled this challenge and ensured a safe environment for my little explorer.

Problem Statement

We live on the second floor of a house, and my 1.2-year-old daughter loves to walk freely around our home. However, the balcony posed a serious risk due to a gap between the fence and another fence—about one foot wide—along a 40-foot-long and 3-foot-wide balcony. This gap made it easy for a small child to fall through.

User Persona

Sara is a 1-year-old baby who wants to freely walk around her space without any obstacles. She doesn’t have the technical or mental knowledge to recognize risks, but her goal is to explore her environment.

Initial Solutions

When faced with the challenge of making our balcony safe for Sara, I considered several initial solutions. Here’s a detailed look at those options and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Closing the Main Door

The first idea was to close the main door leading to the balcony, effectively preventing Sara from accessing the area.

Advantages

• This solution would immediately eliminate the risk of Sara falling through the gap by keeping her away from the balcony entirely.
• It’s a straightforward approach that doesn’t require any installation or additional materials.

Disadvantages

• People in the household, including visitors, might forget to close the door consistently, leaving the balcony accessible at times.
• Restricting Sara’s movement could hinder her physical development. Toddlers need space to walk and play, which is essential for their motor skills development.
• Closing off the balcony would limit Sara’s exposure to sunlight, depriving her of the benefits of natural vitamin D, which is crucial for her growth.

Assigning a Caregiver

Another option was to assign a person to watch over Sara whenever she was on the balcony to ensure her safety.

Advantages

• This solution allows Sara to explore the balcony while being closely monitored, combining safety with the freedom to move around.
• A caregiver can intervene immediately if Sara approaches the gap, preventing accidents.

Disadvantages

• Babies are highly active and change direction frequently, requiring continuous and vigilant supervision, which can be exhausting and difficult to maintain for long periods.
• Hiring a professional caregiver can be expensive, adding financial strain to the household budget.
• If a family member, such as my wife, assumes this role, it would divert time from other responsibilities, potentially causing stress and imbalance in daily routines.
• Even the most attentive caregiver can experience moments of distraction or fatigue, which increases the risk of an accident during such lapses.

Filling the Gap

The final option considered was to fill the gap in the balcony fencing to make the area safe for Sara to walk freely.

Advantages

• This approach ensures the balcony is safe at all times, without needing continuous supervision.
• Sara can explore and play on the balcony without restrictions, supporting her physical development.
• This solution typically involves a one-time expense for materials, making it more affordable in the long run.

Disadvantages

• It requires some effort and time to install the necessary materials to fill the gap properly.
• There is an upfront cost associated with purchasing the materials, though it is generally lower than the ongoing cost of a caregiver.

Implementation

After considering various initial solutions for making the balcony safe for Sara, I determined that filling the gap in the balcony fencing was the optimal solution. This approach effectively addressed safety concerns while allowing Sara the freedom to explore and play on the balcony. Here’s a detailed look at how I implemented this solution.

Step 1: Measure the Balcony

The first step was to measure the dimensions of the balcony accurately to determine the amount of material needed to fill the gap. Our main balcony is 40 feet long, and the second balcony is 25 feet long. Both have a fence height of 2 feet.

Step 2: Purchase Materials

Next, I visited a local hardware store to find suitable materials. After some searching, I found a PVC net that was 2 feet high and 80 feet long, which would be sufficient to cover both balconies. I also bought zip ties to secure the net in place.

Step 3: Install the PVC net

1. Attach the PVC net: Starting at one end of the main balcony, I attached one end of the PVC net to the fence using zip ties. I made sure it was securely fastened to avoid any gaps or loose areas.
2. Stretch the PVC net: I then stretched the net across the length of the balcony, securing it at regular intervals with zip ties. This ensured the net was taut and securely in place.
3. Secure the Bottom: I also secured the bottom of the net to the lower part of the fence to prevent any possibility of Sara crawling under it.
4. Cover the Second Balcony: I repeated the process for the second balcony, ensuring the net was tightly secured and there were no gaps.

Step 4: Inspect the Installation

After installation, I thoroughly inspected the net to ensure it was securely fastened and there were no loose areas that could pose a risk. I also tested the stability of the net by gently pressing against it to ensure it could withstand pressure.

Solving this real-life UX issue for my daughter was a rewarding experience that underscored the importance of user-centered solutions. Understanding user needs and behaviors allowed me to address safety concerns while supporting her development. This experience is a reminder that the best solutions are often simple and direct, and that real-life UX challenges require creative, practical approaches to enhance user experience effectively.