Semester 2 - The Elderly Challenge

1)1) What have you learnt?
I have learnt more about the elderly,and how to think of solutions to solve problems.I have also learnt how to think of ideas better,using ergonomics and the 10C`s to help me.

2) What are the difficulties encountered?
The building of the prototype,as i had lots of parts and functions my product had to do and it was hard to make them.

3) How did you overcome the difficulties?
Luckily,i had friends to help me out by giving me some good ideas.

Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

1)This product is a cleaning brush.It has a green handle connected to a sponge.The sponge is yellow and is a flower shape,it is smooth but the bottom of the sponge is rigid and rough as it is used to scrub the food from plates.The handle is looks a bit like a leaf,maybe to match the flower shaped sponge.

2)I think that the design consideration behind this brush is the handle.They could have attached the handle to the brush to make use of more force or to make it easier when scrubbing things.

3)I think that the elderly will have two problems.If the elderly uses the rough side,and wants to use the smooth side,they can`t use it well and part of the handle is covering the smooth side.Also,the handle might slip from the elderly who do not have a good grip on it.

4)This is my new design.I put a rubbery material on the handle to increase the grip.

Ergonomics 2

1. What is Ergonomics?
it is a science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.
2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?
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
Safety:Handle bars,these can be placed in the toilet.These can help the elderly as when the toilet is wet,the can used the handle bars for support to prevent them from falling.
Comfort:Wheelchair.Some elderly have to sit on wheelchairs to move about.We could make the wheelchairs more comfortable for the elderly.
Ease of use:Elderly friendly books.Some elderly will have problem reading books as they cannot see the print that well,we could make a book that font is bigger so that the elderly don`t strain their eyes.
Productivity/performance:We could invent a elderly friendly phone that is easy to use.
Aesthetics:Elderly friendly products should all be easy to use for the elderly

Holiday work - Part 3

In this Home i made i made made only 2 adjustment.
1)The bed here is not modified in any special way,but it is higher than usual,so that the elderly do not need to bend so low to get into bed.
2)There are non-slip mats in the bathroom and railings,so there is a lowered chance that the elderly slip in the toilet.
3)There are also railings placed around the house to aid the elderly

Ergonomics I

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations
The two workplaces are similar, containing the same items.In workplace 2,the desk is more tidy and organized,unlike workplace 1,which is very untidy and everything is packed closed together in a big mess.In the video,the desk at workplace 1 is very untidy and cramp,and the worker had no space to place his keyboard,and he accidentally knocked down his mug when he was reaching for something.In workspace 2,there was a holder for everything and all the items had a place to be placed,and you slide the keyboard from under the table,giving more space on the desk.The chair at workplace did not look very comfortable,while the chair at workplace 2 was able to bend backwards,allowing the user to rest.

2. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.
Workplace 2,as it was more organized and everything was in adjustable to the users liking.For example,the user can adjust where he wants the monitor of his computer to be, and there is also a laptop holder to place his laptop to his liking for his ease.

3. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?
We should consider that the workplace should be the most comfortable and organized it can be.As if the workplace is comfortable and organized,the worker does not have much trouble with where he should put his things,and when the workplace is tidy and comfortable,the worker is able to work more efficiently.

4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?
To prevent strains and uncomfort at and workers workplace.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 2

This elderly is my grandmother.As you can see,she needs help climbing up stairs as she must have someone to help her when she walks

Elderly Challenge - Observation 1

This is a elderly that is also my neighbor,and her caretaker is helping her into the house,as she walks slow and unsteady,even with her walking stick