Elderly_Reflection

1) What have you learnt?
 Throughout this semester, i have learnt about different techniques that i can apply to daily lives. I learnt on how to brainstorm and collate my ideas, different problem solving techniques such as S.C.A.M.P.E.R, evaluating the problem, observing the surrounding people, how to find flaws and improve on a product, modelling a product, critical thinking, problem solving. Based on 10c, I have apply creativity, communication skills with our friends by giving constructive feedbacks, critical thinking. I gained courage and confidence. It also raise intellectual curiosity when going through the process of creating the product for the elderly. I also showed full commitment to my work by doing my best.

2) What are the difficulties encountered?
Some difficulties I encountered were meeting up with the deadline. There are many other projects we need to meet the deadline, and the work is increasing. Another difficulty is in the process of creating the product. I lise down all the advantages and disadvantages of creating the product and what uses it has.3) How did you overcome the difficulties?
I ask suggestion from my friends and going through the problem slowly. I also manage my time well to meet up with  the deadline.Link your reflection based on the 10 Cs.

T4W2 Reflection

1. What are the difficulties that you have encountered during the process?
 Some of the difficulties I encountered is i need to think further down whether the product is useful or there is a need for my product. I also need to get the measurement correctly and test if my product work out.

2. How do you overcome the difficulties encountered?
With my friend's advice, i managed to change my product and think deep further about my product; the advantages and disadvantages.

3. What are the 2 key takeaways for this lesson?
I must not persevere and never give up. I also should not be self-centred and seek advice from friends as their advice might be useful. It is not easy to overcome the process.

Ergonomics(Product description and idea trigger)

The product above is called an ‘elegant smart holder’. The function of this smart holder is to hold onto things at a certain level, by hammering it onto the wall. Examples are holding onto a broom, mop and those product that have a handle. The colour of the product is plain and simple as the colour of it is neutral. It is made of metal and rubber. On its product, it is consist of a rubbery-rollers that can roll, allowing the broom to be secure inside the holder. There is also a  strong tape to paste onto the wall. It also provide screw for the product to be firm and steady on the wall. It is handy, simple, symmetrical, comfortable, user-friendly,stable and firm.

Some design considerations I could consider are that it have a rubbery-rollers which can roll so to allow the broom to be secure to the product. There are two holes at the top and bottom of the holder so that the screw could be inserted for steadiness so that the product can be strong even when hammering in onto the wall. The outer shape of the holder is curved in because it allow the rubbery-roller to be near to each other for comfort. It is safe to be use as there is a tape at the back of the roller so that I could stick onto the wall and it does not consist of any sharp objects outside the shape which could hurt the elderly. It is easy to use as we only need to insert the broom or mop in. It is productivity as some  similar kinds of holder is also sold widely in the market. The aesthetics of the holder is not up to standard.

The elderly will faced difficulty when using this product. Some of the difficulties faced is that pulling the broom out of the holder is  hard and uses a lot of force as it has to overcome the friction and the elderly strength is decreasing and its quite weak. I could improve on the aesthetic of the holder, making it easier for the elderly. We can use the techniques S.C.A.M.P.E.R and adding on a button making it easier for the elderly’s life without using much strength.

This is my new and improved design. I add a button to the holder to allow the elderly to use less force to pull out the broom and mop. It is done by the use of lever.

Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics or human factors is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?
The five aspects of ergonomics are safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and aesthetics.

3. For each aspects of Ergonomics, explain with an example of a product that is designed for the elderly, how the product meet that particular aspect of Ergonomics.
One example will be the wheelchair.

Safety:For safety, an example of a product is this. It is called the Multi-Level Hand Grip - Triple Grip Levels. It has designed grip bars provide support, safety and security in the bathroom while using the toilet, bathing, or showering. One or more bars can be installed vertically on bathtub walls or in shower stalls. Can also be installed vertically near toilets and commodes to aid in getting on and off a toilet seat. The plastic grips have grooved inner surfaces for a safe, non-slip grasp. 

Comfort & productivity: For comfort, an examples would be this product. It is a massaging chair. It is comfortable as they are equipped with multi-functions to do different things  and the textures of the seat is quite smooth and nice.

Ease of use & Aesthetics: This is a finger protector. It protects the elderly fingers from being cut. It is easy to use as we only need our fingers to slot into the holes and we can cut the fruits and vegetables.  Finger guard slips over fingers to protect from sharp knives and blades. Its quality is plastic, durable and washable. It is also come in various color and the design layout is quite simple.

Ergonomics 1

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.

The workplace one is quite messy, the documents and paper are cluttered up. The  workplace two is neater with all the documents organised and put into place. Workplace one is user friendly. Workplace one’s computer is bulky whereas the workplace two’s computer is slimmer. The distance is not that near and just right. The chair in workplace one is immobile and not flexible whereas workplace two is comfortable, flexible and adjustable. There are railings on workplace two which is accessible. Workplace lighting one is fixed while lightings at workplace two is mobile and adjustable to your own needs.

1. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.

I prefer Workplace two. Workplace two is organized, neater and all items are arranged in place. The computer is not placed on the computer so there are more space and storage for other purpose on the desk. The chair gives more freedom for easier movement. The lightings are fixed and it is user-friendly to the person who is using the desk.

1. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?

The considerations are flexibility, accessibility, correct depths,heights and distance, reliability, efficiency, accuracy, and how spacious it is.

4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

Ergonomics is important because it gives the designers some idea and correct gauge measurements that is suitable for the working environment.

Elderly Challenge- Observation 4

For this week which is the last week, I observed the area around Clementi. I observed the areas around Clementi because my school is at Clementi so it is near there. For this week, there quite a few observations I observed around Clementi. Sadly, I forget to take pictures as I was in a hurry.

The first observation I observed for this week is that there is a overhead bridge near my school. It is quite troublesome for some of the elderly because the road is an expressway so the government could not make any traffic light there. It is inconvenient and troublesome for some of the elderly because some of them, their legs are weak and fragile so they cannot climb up the stairs. Their grip may also weakens. Furthermore, the steps are quite wide and the number of steps is quite a lot. Those who do not want to climb up the staircase, they have to walk further until they reached a junction where they can crossed the road. I think it is inconvenient for them as they need to walk a few metres and they may tire themselves due to their age. 

There was once when an elderly come up to me and ask whether there are alternatives rather than taking the stairs. I told her that they have to walk all the way to the junction. She sighed and she walked slowly with her walking stick. I feel bad. The government should do something Clementi is a place where most elderly stay. There is an elderly home near the overhead bridge so if an elderly wanted to get, does it mean that they must walk all the way to the junction and walk back to where the overhead bridge is?

Simple room layout :D

These two pictures are the layout I have sketched for the elderly’s room using google- sketch-up. The room’s layout is elderly-friendly because there are railings and the floor are rough so that there are friction and the elderly will not easily fall. The bed is quite low and there is no bed stand. It will be easier for the elderly to rest without having to climb up. There is also a sofa that is low in height so it is easier for the elderly to sit. Besides the  low sofa and bed, there is a red colour button for emergency. So if there is emergency is the room, the elderly will just have to press the button and it will alert the people outside the room. There are railings across the whole room so if the elderly has a weak legs, she/he can have the comfort to hold the railings. The toilet is also unique. There are ramp and a railings,for easy use as the toilet are a step lower than the room. Overall, I think the room is quite elderly-friendly.