Reflection on the elderly challenge.

What have I learn?
I learnt to use the different idea generation techniques such as SCAMPER and Shape-Borrowing

What difficulties I have encountered?
There are times which the prototype I created was accidentally ruin or that I did not have enough materials to create a new product after the previous one was destroyed.

How did I solve this.
I had to use the materials that I have remaining to mend the product instead of making a new one, and to stop the product from falling apart, I have to also use my own glue, as if I were to use the school’s glue gun, the product will look quite messy so in the end I had to buy my own glue and use it instead.

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i) Describe the product. (Appearance, Color, Function, etc)

it has a circular ring attached with a curved surface and there is also a short sharp point.

It is beige in colour and it can be used to peel oranges.

ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?
The considerations are the user-friendliness, the compactness and the safety.iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?

The elderly may injure themselves if they accidentally cut themselves on the sharp edge.
iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post.)

The sharp edge should be made retractable so the elderly will not accidentally cut themselves.

Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?
(esp. of workplace design) intended to provide optimum comfort and to avoid stress or injury.

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?

Safety
Comfort
Ease of use
Productivity/performance
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:LYON'S BEST Performance Plus Chairs(http://catalog.lyonworkspace.com/viewitems/ergonomic-and-safety-products/ergonomic-multitask-chairs?)

LYON'S BEST Performance Plus Chairs Performance Plus seating from Lyon is designed to survive in tough environments. Each Industrial and Utility Performance Plus chair-Silver, Gold, and Platinum - incorporates premium components in its cutting-edge design for maximum durability, while providing a maximum amount of comfort for users. And they’re all affordable enough to accommodate the constraints of tight budgets. Designed for a maximum weight of 250 lbs.

Comfort:Ergonomic Book-Reading Stand (http://jideas.web.officelive.com/products.aspx)

- Patented wooden lectern with classic finish

- Angle documents and books for viewing comfort

- Lightweight compared to traditional book stands

- Encourages the perfect sitting posture

- Withstands pressure of up to 5 kilogrammes

Ease of use:3M Office EM500GPL Large Wired Optical Renaissance Ergonomic Mouse(http://www.ergodirect.com/product_info.php?products_id=408)

1.  Innovative vertical design keeps the arm in a comfortable, more neutral and natural      "handshake" position.

2.  Uses larger muscles to move mouse, reducing risk of discomfort.

3.  Left and right click functions using the thumb button on the top of the vertical grip.

Productivity/Performance:

Kensington SoleSaver Footrest(http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,1205,l%253D239590%2526a%253D239591%2526po%253D9,00.asp?p=n)

Reduce pressure on your lower back and elevate your legs while sitting at your desk.. It offers three height adjustments and tilt choices for the most comfortable position, and includes a non-skid foot surface.

Aesthetics: Macbook

The macbook has a nice appearance and it is also userfriendly

Ergonomics - Question 2

The one on the right.
The workplace is tidy and well suited for the user for long periods of doing work and it is also very spacious
The user makes use of the space on top of the desk instead of the surface.
The lamp is also attached above and it can move, save distance and height
The laptop carrier can be adjusted so it will be more spacious
the chair the design allows the person to lean back and has an adjustable hand rests comfortable backrest and a sturdy structure.

Ergonomics I

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations
The workplace on the left is not as tidy than the workplace on the right as it is very cluttered and messy and he had trouble looking for his things and there was once he had to put his keyboard on top of his mug which had been spilt 
The user on the left also appears to be uncomfortable because of his fidgeting.
The workplace on the left do not have features that are friendly as the one on the right. The workplace on the right has features like more comfortable chairs,better lamps and other gadgets which are friendly to the people and it may also improve the productivity of the people.


2. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.
The workplace on the right is preferred. The workplace should help to reduce the stress, increase the comfort of the  user, 

3. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?
4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

Observation 4

At Shopping Centres, there are many non-elderly friendly things in the shopping centres.
Firstly, the escalators are moving quite fast, for the elderly and the elderly cannot react very fast.
Secondly, the layout of shopping centres are very complicated. So elderly cannot find their way easily

Observation 3

The Elderly travels very slow. So, are the time for the elderly to cross the road enough? We should lengthen the time of the traffic light so that the elderly would have enough time to cross the road