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

UX Case Study

Solving a Real-Life UX Challenge

Making the Balcony Safe for My Daughter

Type

Personal Project

Timeline

2024 (2 Days)

My Role

UX Designer (Real-life application)

UX design is often associated with digital products—but in reality, UX problem solving exists everywhere.

This real-life UX case study explores how I applied user-centered design principles to solve a critical safety issue for my 1.2-year-old daughter. The challenge was simple but serious: how to create a safe environment without restricting natural behavior.

By applying design thinking in a real-world context, I was able to turn a risky space into a safe, usable one.

Problem Statement

We live on the second floor of a house, and my daughter is at an age where she loves to explore freely. However, our balcony had a one-foot gap between two fences, stretching across a 40-foot-long space.

From a UX design perspective, this created a high-risk environment for a user who:

Is curious
Cannot recognize danger
Want to explore

This was not just a physical problem—it was a clear usability and safety issue in a real-life environment.

User Persona

Name

Sara

Age

1 Year

Sara represents a unique type of user in this UX case study:

She wants to move freely and explore
She does not understand risks or consequences
Her behavior is unpredictable and fast-changing

This reinforces a key user-centered design principle:

When users cannot adapt to the system, the system must adapt to the user.

Exploring Initial Solutions

To solve this real-world UX problem, I didn’t jump to the first obvious fix. Instead, I took a divergent thinking approach—exploring all possible solutions before narrowing down to the most effective one.

By evaluating multiple approaches, I was able to understand the trade-offs between safety, usability, cost, and long-term sustainability. This process ensured that the final solution wasn’t just functional, but truly aligned with user-centered design principles.

Closing the Main Door

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

Pros:

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.

Cons:

Family members or visitors may forget to close the balcony door, leaving it accessible.
Restricting Sara’s movement can affect her motor skill development.
Blocking the balcony limits sunlight exposure, reducing essential vitamin D for 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.

Pros:

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.

Cons:

Babies are very active and need constant supervision, which can be tiring over time.
Hiring a caregiver can be costly and strain the budget.
If a family member takes on this role, it may disrupt daily responsibilities and cause stress.
Even attentive caregivers can get tired or distracted, increasing the risk of accidents.

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.

Pros:

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.

Cons:

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

Key Impacts

100%

risk elimination from the balcony gap

Zero

Dependency on continuous supervision

Cost-effective

one-time solution

Improved

mobility and exploration for the child

This real-life UX case study demonstrates that UX design is not limited to screens. It’s about solving problems by understanding user behavior and designing environments that work for them.

By applying design thinking and user-centered design, I was able to create a solution that balanced safety, usability, and freedom.

Sometimes, the most effective UX solutions are simple, practical, and grounded in real human needs.