Industrial - Bachelor
Mustering Mate is an analog communication device designed to help children with Cerebral Palsy safely and independently participate in cattle mustering. Mounted on a buggy, it uses large tactile buttons and visual signals to replace traditional radios, enabling clear, accessible communication between riders while promoting inclusion, safety, and confidence.
Exploring the potential recreational enrichment of cattle mustering for a child with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy is a group of permanent disorders affecting movement, posture, coordination, and communication, caused by early brain injury. This device focuses on a child with level 2 GMFCS Cerebral Palsy. These challenges often limit participation in physical and social activities, impacting quality of life for both children and caregivers. Research shows that physical and outdoor activities significantly enhance mood, confidence, and connection for children with disabilities. Natural environments and farm-based activities, such as cattle mustering, provide valuable sensory and emotional enrichment, fostering inclusion and joy. However, the demanding, multi-tasking nature of mustering—requiring coordination, fine motor control, and communication—creates barriers for those with limited mobility. This highlights a need for inclusive design solutions that bridge the gap between physical ability and meaningful recreational participation.
A case study on a child with cerebral palsy was conducted to gain inside knowledge on his day to day capabilities and necessities. To achieve well-rounded research a triangulation approach was used, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This included survey responses, interview transcripts, and observation videos, allowing for both statistical and reflective analysis of the findings.
Interviews with the child’s mother, support worker, and a local farmer revealed key insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by children with Cerebral Palsy when participating in farm activities. The child experiences limited fine motor control, fluctuating muscle tone, and heightened emotional responses, which affect their ability to multitask and maintain coordination. Fatigue, vision impairment, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli further influence their physical and emotional regulation. Despite these challenges, independence remains central to their growth—they are eager to help on the farm and take part in adventurous activities with appropriate support. Safety concerns, including uneven terrain and limited risk awareness, require careful consideration. However, outdoor experiences bring this child immense joy, offering valuable sensory stimulation, confidence, and family connection, highlighting the importance of inclusive and accessible ways for children with disabilities to engage in meaningful recreational activities.
“I think anything that is slow, or I guess like fiddly things that require precision are really difficult.”
“Independence is a big thing for them or to have more of a sense of independence and responsibility about doing something and helping out on the farm.”
“One thing they sort of say is when I get out here, I just picture my own house and I, yeah, so it’s sort of in, they feel very safe here (commenting on the farm)”
Observations of a live cattle muster revealed the complexity and physical demands of the activity. The constantly changing terrain—filled with rocks, tall grass, and uneven ground—requires caution, coordination, and strong communication among participants. Drivers must remain alert to avoid obstacles, control vehicles on unstable surfaces, and maintain awareness of other riders and livestock. Safety and teamwork are essential, as noise, isolation, and visibility challenges make communication difficult.
In the case study, Max demonstrated enthusiasm and social engagement but faced challenges with balance, fine motor control, and vision. His movements often act as self-regulation during moments of focus or emotion, showing a strong link between physical control and concentration. Despite these challenges, Max’s playful attitude and high energy reflect his motivation to participate and connect with others, reinforcing the importance of inclusive design in physically demanding environments like cattle mustering.
Research revealed a clear gap in the market for an adaptive device enabling children with Cerebral Palsy to safely and independently participate in cattle mustering. Key challenges identified include safety concerns, limited fine motor skills, reduced physical control, lack of comfort, difficulties with emotional regulation, and a desire for social connection. Addressing these through inclusive design can enhance safety, confidence, and enjoyment. Opportunities include safety features that alert users to risks, ergonomic controls for limited dexterity, sensory-friendly seating for comfort, and visual communication systems that foster connection. Collectively, these solutions promote independence, emotional stability, and participation in meaningful outdoor family activities.
Taking the key aspects of my research observations I began a long processes of iterations and ideation sketches.
After some ideation, I proposed 4 main concepts. These concepts were derived from the main concerns both the parent and child expressed. The direction of choice was concept 3 for its unique idea, practicalities and fun safety features.
After the direction was chosen I proceeded to continue iterating with sketches and prototypes to find a suitable form. To understand the real scale for these products I made a 1:1 prototype frame of a buggy to prototype against. This allowed for some real scale and an understanding of the limitations for this product.
Mustering Mate is an adaptive communication device designed to help children with Cerebral Palsy participate safely and independently in cattle mustering. The device enables clear, non-verbal communication through three large visual signs — confirmation, warning, and distress — and a directional horn indicator. Each function is activated using simple, tactile controls suited to users with limited fine motor skills. By simplifying multitasking and enhancing safety, Mustering Mate bridges the gap between ability and inclusion, allowing children to engage meaningfully in recreational and family farming activities while fostering joy, confidence, and a sense of belonging in rural environments.
To ease the minds of parents, this device provides a simple yet effective way for their children to call for assistance when out in the bush driving a buggy. It also provides the additional feature of easier transition periods, to provide warning to the child that something is changing.
In having parents more comfortable to let their child drive a buggy on their own. This allows the child to experience more independence in a controlled environment. They have the ability to explore, be curious and learn new skills, whilst also having the ability to ask for help if needed.
This device is an easy and inclusive product for all walks of life to use. By having this product used not just by the child with Cerebral Palsy, but also by their friends and family driving buggy’s around them, they can easy send quick and important messages back and forth. This strengthens their bonds and relationships in an accessible way for all involved.
This is a cartoonish and playful looking device that can be easily taken on and off the buggy. Making this a unique and interesting “toy” that children actively want to play wit
By using large and tactile controls, this negates the need for fine motor skills traditionally needed in a walkie talkie or radio. It also does not need complete reliance on articulation and verbal communication which can be difficult for some users particularly when frustrated.
This product uses no electrical components making it accessible for remote uses on farms, and gives it the ability to last longer without the need for charging or batteries. It also can be clipped on and off the buggy when needed, and stored elsewhere when out of use.
To bring to life this product a subtle beige and dusty colour palette was chosen to introduce the Australian bush colours. Using the deeper reddish brown’s as an accent colour.
The three visual signs are mounted on the top of the device and serve as clear, universally understood signals. The green circular sign represents confirmation or acknowledgment, allowing the user to indicate they have received a message or instruction. The red hexagonal sign functions as a distress signal, alerting others when help is needed or the user is in difficulty. The yellow triangular sign acts as a warning to communicate potential hazards, obstacles, or road issues ahead. These signs are activated using large tactile buttons on the side, designed for ease of use and minimal precision.
The horn-shaped indicator, located on the left side, adds a functional and cultural connection to the rural environment. It operates through a simple rotating handle that allows the user to signal direction or movement to others nearby. Together, these four components enable safe, intuitive, and independent communication, fostering inclusion, confidence, and connection during cattle mustering activities.
Hayley is passionate about using Industrial Design to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Her work focuses on improving everyday experiences through thoughtful, inclusive design — with the goal of creating products that bring ease, joy, and connection to their users.