Encumbrance is essential to SotA and I think it should be more obvious when a person is encumbered. I suggest that someone who is slightly encumbered should limp, like they were carrying a heavy suitcase. As weight continues to increase they could carry a big sack on their back that gets bigger and lumpier. Even greater weight would make them push a wheelbarrow. Finally, when completely immobile they should be buried under a pile of junk. I think this would greatly aid immersion.