Design, Development, And Usability Evaluation Of Recyclable-Material Rolling Beds For Safer, Sustainable, And Space-Efficient Evacuation Centers

This study designed, developed, and evaluated a rolling bed made from recyclable materials intended to improve sleeping conditions in evacuation centers. The study addressed the need for clean, elevated, movable, affordable, and space-efficient sleeping facilities in temporary shelters where evacuees often sleep on mats, cardboard, benches, or directly on the floor. A design and development research approach with a descriptive-evaluative component was employed. The prototype consisted of a recycled-clothes top layer, a foam middle layer, a recycled tarpaulin bottom layer, a sturdy frame, and caster wheels with locking mechanisms. It was evaluated in terms of material suitability, functionality, durability, safety, comfort, mobility, space efficiency, hygiene and maintenance, sustainability, affordability, and overall usability. Results showed that the materials were highly suitable, with an overall mean of 4.51. The prototype obtained a grand mean of 4.53, interpreted as highly acceptable. The highest-rated dimension was sustainability and affordability, followed by comfort, hygiene, and maintenance. Durability received the lowest rating but remained highly acceptable, indicating the need for structural reinforcement, load testing, and long-term field evaluation. Findings suggest that the recyclable-material rolling bed is a feasible, low-cost, and environmentally responsible innovation that may improve comfort, hygiene, mobility, and dignity in evacuation-center settings.