THOUGHTS
A SELF INITIATED PROJECT
BY BEN O’DONNELL
Ben O’Donnell Self-Initiated Project Product Design BDes Glasgow School of Art
In memory of Louisa Burch 1929 - 2012 A lively energetic and loving grandmother who would go out of her way, to do anything for her family. Sadly taken from us through Alzheimer’s disease.
www.benodonnell.com hello@benodonnell.com +447834230309
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CONTENTS 05 06 10 11 12 14
Brief Research The Three Stages of Dementia Insights Initial Ideas Interviews
19 20 22 24 30
Design Opportunities Defining the radio Sketchbook work Finialising designs The Touchpoint
34 36 41 45
The Interface Manufacture Final Artefact Reflection
BRIEF Develop a product that encourages independance during the early stages of on-set Dementia, for those living at home.
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RESE ARCH
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by a number of conditions, most commonly known as Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, difficulties with thinking, problem solving, mood changes, communication and language problems, progressing to stages of declining ability to talk, read and write. The disease is a progressive one, meaning that the symptoms over time gradually worsen. A person in the later stages of the disease will have problems carrying out the everyday tasks of daily living and will become increasingly dependent on other people, including carers and family members. (Design for Dementia, Gregor Timlin and Nic Rysenbry)
MY OWN EXPERIENCES I began the project, not necessarily new to the topic of alzheimer’s and dementia. Like many people in today’s age, the majority have some sort of experience with the disease, whether dealing with it through a family member or mutual family friend. In my case, it was through my grandmother, Louie Burch who died of Dementia in 2012. Growing up with two parents in full time work, my early years and primary school days involve, a lot of care and supervision from my grandmother for my sister and I before and after school. As I grew up I watched as the disease took hold, progressing in later years grasping and changing the whole dynamic of not just my family but my mothers brothers familys (aunties and uncles) too. As the disease progressed the needs and restrictions for my granny increased, demanding more and more help and care from my parents and extended family. As memories and orientation gradually were lost, I was shocked to see at times, how from being very unaware in particular situations, my grandmother could switch and be completely there in the moment and rhyme off an encyclopedia on particular topics when brought up. In particular these triggers often came from music, riddles and nursery rhymes, presumably engrained in her memory from early childhood. From these experiences, I believed a good place to to begin my research was aorund the topic of memories. On that, I firstly began the project by carrying out extenesive secondary research to understand the disease and topic of dementia more clearly
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89,000
46.8M
£28,000
people live with a form of dementia in the UK
people living with dementia world wide
Average cost for care of a person suffering from a dementia related disease, per year
1/2
1 in 6
More than half of those suffering from dementia continue to live at home
People over the age of 80 suffer from dementia
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RESEARCH
WORLDWIDE FIGURES
2017 - 46.8 million 2020 - estimated 74.7 million
DEMENTIA is incurable
‘As of yet, there is no cure for Alzhemiers disease, but research is being carried out, pointing out treatments and daily practices, that can slow the progression of the condition down.’ (Dementia Revealed, Department of Health, NHS)
With a estimated 46.8 million people living with dementia worldwide, expectations suggest this number will reach 74.7 million by 2020 and contine to rise with growing and aging populations
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Starting of the project, I believe I have may have been quite naïve, as to what I could achieve within a ten week span. Setting out with big aims, not necessarily to find a cure for dementia but to create something impactful, my early secondary research quickly gave me some insight into how broad and vast the area of dementia and this disease was. Instead of magically finding a cure, this early insight provided me with some scope and encouraged me to look for ways I perhaps could develop something that provided value in some way for the user suffering from dementia. I now needed to narrow my scope and look for moments within the topic to explore.
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THE THREE STAGES OF DEMENTIA
DEMENTIA
In most cases, the progression of dementia is slow and consistently changes over time, but every case is different. No two people deal with, or have identical symptoms of the disease. As shown below, the disease can be simplified into three stages labelled early, middle and late.
Self initiated early posters.indd 1
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Self initiated early posters.indd 2
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Infographic posters used to visualise and consolidate research
INFOGRAPHICS
EARLY
MIDDLE
LATE
On collecting a substantual amount of sources and research, I decided instead of mapping out findings, to produce more visual and simpler info-graphics. Although unsure of this practice at the time, on reflection personally for me this process worked very well. Often finding mind mapping busy and confusing, this alternative although more time consuming, allowed me to filter and iterate a number of versions until clear insights, understanding of the topic and the important facts were apparent.
INSIGHTS From the research gathered, I pulled out four reacurring and what seemed important to me takeaways and insights that I believed to have value and potential. These were -
Memory loss, difficulties with words, issues with time and away finding in familiar places. Issues handling complicated tasks, difficulties in handling money. Changes in mood and behaviour.
Increased memory loss, increased difficulty with orientation of time and place. Difficulty with communication, issues with personal care, increased issues with handling complicated tasks such as organising shopping, household chores etc.
Unable to recognise people, no awareness of space or time. Increased need for personal care, difficulty understanding surroundings and situations. Behavioural changes and issues with mobility, swallowing foods and drinks etc.
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Many people with dementia maintain vivid recollections of their earlier days and years. People suffering from dementia benefit from having a day filled with established routines and habits. When a person becomes ill with the disease, roles and responsibilities change. Family and carers often need to learn new skills and tasks. More than half of people suffering from dementia continue to live at home.
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SCENARIOS
From the initial insights based of my secondary research, I came up with a number of ‘What ifs’
WHAT IF I COULD DEVELOP SOMETHING THAT... Stimulated or triggered memories through the use of senses.
Was built to be housed and used within the home environment
Encouraged or enabled a realiance apon routine and schedules, supporting habits.
Encouraged independance, yet provided the necessary means for family or carers to step in and help.
INITIAL IDEAS & SCENARIOS Need exploration into different physical tangible materials
Calendar alarm clock concept, different task is shown under different colours
Necklace like object to avoid losing or misplacing
Phone app interacts with home task printer
as day continues, the list gets longer, with each task being pre-warned ahead of time, numerous set times
3PM
8AM
Home printer, prints out receipt like, newspaper like articles, on directions, tasks or events coming up S E LF- I N I TI ATE D - 1 2 - M A R 1 7
FAMILY
PRINTER PRINTS OUT RECIEPTS AHEAD OF TIME Doctors appointment 12.30
as day continues, reciept and list becomes longer
A SCREEN COULD ALSO BE USED TO DISPLAY CLEAR TEXT
FAMILY DICTATES REMINDERS OR EVENTS AHEAD OF TIME
FAMILY SETS CALENDAR AHEAD OF TIME ON THEIR PHONE What memories or events can be triggered or idengtified through the use of touch and feel
SETS & PLANS DATES, TASKS & events ahead of time
SPEAKER PLAYS REMINDER AHEAD OF TIME, with prompters
USING PHYSICAL, TANGIBLE OBJECTS A PROJECTOR PROJECTS EXTRA INFO ONTO TABLE TOP SURface Through these early ideas and scenarios I attempted to develop concepts relevant to my ‘what ifs.’ Happy that I was focusing on targeting something within the home environment. I felt many of these early ideas where too gimmicky, not adding the value to the user I was looking for. With early research suggesting that older people often struggled learning new technologies I realised many of these concepts needed to be either simplified down to the basic uses and interactions, or developed perhaps into more tangible physical touch and texture orientated ideas. Now having carried out sufficient secondary research, I felt I needed to take my insights and what ifs to those working within the care system, and speak to professionals on the topic and present these early ideas.
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HUGH
INTERVIEWS As part of the next stage stage of my research, I interviewed several people working within care, ranging from those teaching nursing, to a sister in charge of a large group of nurses, to a carer working with dementia with a social work background, and also others working within the different fields of care. One thing they all had in common was their vast knowledge and experience working with Dementia. With each interview, I began by presenting the research I had carried out, my takeaways and insights from this, and where I felt the project was heading. I then had a set of broad questions based more as topics or areas, rather than direct questions. I wanted to go about the interview stages more as relaxed sit downs rather than formal interviews. By doing this I believed I would gain much more from the interviews and gain real personalized and individual insights from each individual interviewed.
On reflection, this stage of the project I can honestly say was one of the most valuable time periods within the ten-week project. Not only did the interviewees agree with the research and direction I was heading, but they all added their own insights, experiences and personal stories that added so much and created a strong basis to develop my brief and project. If there’s one thing that can be said about this stage to the project, was that the topic of Dementia was vaster and bigger than anything I had initially realized. Hearing from people working within the different areas of care, It was apparent that nothing was perfect, and there numerous areas with potential to improve, design for, develop, explore and hopefully impact a small area within this field, for the good.
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Home Carer and Nursing Tutor
JANE
Jane - “I think you are quite right in saying you want to maintain their independence. But I think it’s the caring point of view, the human nature. You want to help that person, and in fact what you can be doing is reducing their independence, and that can frustrate them as well. Hugh – “I think the natural reaction when you have a relative with dementia, is to care, care, care. The very nature of caring, diminishes their independence. I think people don’t have enough knowledge of care; they don’t understand the importance of independence. They see, giving as the natural thing to do, so they don’t see therapeutic gains associated with promoting independence.
Do you have any ideas of things that may have helped? Jane – Maybe if something was developed that was more personalised to that specific person? The systems in place are not personalized, they are standardized. And I wouldn’t know how you would go about changing it, as every dementia case is different. Hugh – The needs of the family are not really that important, its just about freeing up that bed within the care home or hospital. The thing is you can’t rely on the National Health Service (NHS) for personalized care. It’s standardized, a conveyor belt.
Home Carer and Ward Sister at Lagan Vally Hospital
Jane – It’s a real loose canon, there is no answer, because every case is different. And everything is orientated to treating the symptoms of the disease, rather than the processes of rehab, so its very disease orientated. There’s a lack of investment in elderly care, so generally you are more and more burdened especially in family settings.
This joint interview with Hugh and Jane, worked well with two people working within a similar field but specializing in different sectors allowed for conversations to be continuous. On asking a question, each interviewee would bounce their ideas and opinions off each other, I feel giving me more personalized and in-depth takeaways. The interview covered a number of topics as shown in the Interview Transcript. But specifically, the aspects that spoke out to me were the conversations of the ideals and misinformation on ‘Caring.’ That “the very nature of caring, diminishes independence.” A deep and complex discussion also covered the ideals around personal care. If the NHS couldn’t afford the means to provide more personalized care, could this be provided or encouraged by other means? S E LF- I N I TI ATE D - 1 5 - A P R I L 1 7
AIMEE
Nursing Student, with experience in hospital setting
“We had a patient who was very aggressive, but only on certain occasions. I developed and made a fidget blanket to keep her calm… She would sit there with it on her lap, it was colourful and textured. Often people with the disease would fidget with anything in their hands, even their own skin.” “Busy things would just confuse and increase anxiety. The clock example was very simple, the clock components would be easily read, and just take time to sink in and be processed. Colour is also key, symbols and short words. Technology and old people, that doesn’t go well together. What about something that perhaps could speak to people?” “The board on the wall was massive, and it said Ward 11 and had bright colours. A nurse there had won a prize for it in a programme which encouraged painting the doors bright colours to help people remember where they lived etc… Everything was labelled and had symbols.”
EMMA
Care Worker with Social Work background
“That first stage is so difficult, because the person knows something is not quite right, and they can’t express what that is and they can’t remember that one day they’ve been told something, and the next day they can’t remember it and they are very frustrated.” “When I studied this, there was the medical model, and a social model, and the medical model is, what the person is suffering from, we give them the medication, we will medicate for that, and that’s how we’ll help them. Whereas my sort of view and interest is about, how that care plan should look like. It should be completely personalised to the person’s background and upbringing. You can’t say one model fits all, and if you do, that’s not fair to the person.” “If you do one model fits all, the person is obviously going to feel or in my view the person will feel that intervention is being done to them, not with them. From a social worker’s perspective it should be done with, rather than to. That in its own way should lend some sort of empowerment to the person you are trying to help.” “I was very visual and art based so I tried to work in Play Doh or Plasticine to try and make stuff, as its tactile and crossed over into aspects of art therapy. It didn’t have to look like something, but if it had looked like something to them it would have been a focus for an hour within the day. I felt the tactile things worked. I did feel if you could challenge some of their thoughts and feelings even for an hour. I did find that, or at least my perception was that clasped hands represented anxiety or discomfort etc.”
Aimee, through her interview provided me with own individual out look and initial experiences as a newly student nurse in her first year working in a hospital ward setting. Aimee Gave me a detailed look into the running and routines of NHS dementia wards, explaining her own personal experiences of working with and producing her own dementia tools (fidget blanket) along side patients. With a keen eye on details, she went into great detail, on aspects to the ward that where specifically designed in a way, as to aid and help with those suffering from dementia. This interview game me a very different look and insights to a very different routine styled aspects to caring for dementia.
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Emma’s deep knowledge and experience in this topic was apparent from the beginning. Coming into the interview, with a very personal touch, you could really tell how much Emma cared and wanted to do her best for every single individual she cared for. Emma introduced me to a numerous amount of new topics and aspects within caring for dementia, and she summarised simply the current attitude towards caring for dementia within the NHS. Very passionate about this topic, I believe I got some great and very individual insights from this single interview, with potential topics and directions I believe I may have not got If I had went into the interview with a different attitude or another more strict set question style. Emma was very open about her experiences, telling me what she valued and felt what it was to provide an individual and personalised care plan. S E LF- I N I TI ATE D - 1 7 - A P R I L 1 7
CHRISTINA
Nursing Student & Home Carer
“Sensory things are useful especially in the middle to end stages, as they can relax the person by keeping them touching a variety of textures with their hands. Also we use light therapy, use of calming lights and calming music, which brings down the anxiety levels.” “I think tangible, physical things are worth investigating. Dementia dolls, which are just ordinary dolls, are also used with elderly women and the women care for them like they are real babies. Often women are fixated on a time when they were bringing up children and so when they become agitated the doll therapy seems to help. Physical things seem to help relax patients.”
TAKEAWAYS FROM INTERVIEWS
Orientation and awarness is necessary constantly. Often lack of orientation and awarness could cause anxiety, leading to panic. From research and the interviewees experience, if something was present reinforcing themes around orientation and awareness (Clock with weather, time, place etc.) this helped greatly.
Personalised care ‘Enabling + promoting real-person centred care’ is often missing. From the interviewees experiences this area was lacking due to lack of funds and resources. Also many organisations followed medical models rather than social models, treating dementia suffers as a whole rather than individually.
Independance rather than dependance Signs show that often when family members or carers began their care, they would often take over caring everything, influencing a stage at which the dementia suffer was always dependant rather that independant.
As mentioned before, this experience of being able to interview such a wide variety of those working with or in the care structure of dementia within the UK was an invaluable experience, giving me so many different outlooks, insights, own opinions and even their own product or service ideas. With so many new very strong avenues to follow. I must admit and this point I got slightly overwhelmed by the possibilities unsure where to go from here. I mapped out all my takeaways and layed out my main findings as summarised above. With so many new possibilities, I had to go with my gut feeling and follow my own instincts matching these new insights with the findings of my original research and continue forward, developing concepts of this new found information.
Speaking to Christina was a great reminder and summarised many of the tools developed and designed out there in use at the moment for suffers of dementia. These included dementia dolls, fidget blankets and dementia clocks. Having already researched into all of these tools through the secondary research stage, It was a contrast, and very usefull to see aand speak to someoen working with suffers of dementai day in and out, view point of how these tools and objects worked in real life. Christina was honest, and put plainly what aspects worked and what didn’t. With a focus on physical tangible alternatives, Christina had a number of individual ideas herself.
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RE-DEFINING THE RADIO Beginning to look at the form my product could take, I came up with numerous rough ideas as shown in my sketchbook. Through this iterative approach I reflected on, why create something brand new, unfamiliar and possibly alien to the user group? Instead could I look to re-work, develop and possibly add onto a already existing product within the home, something elderly people were familiar and confortable with using on a daily basis. Clear visuals and simplicity were reoccurring themes throughout my research and interview stage, hence I knew I needed to develop something that was visible, clear and simple to understand. Naturally from this reflection I began looking into displays, could phones, tablets, flat panelled screens be the answer due to their large visual dependencies? I quickly realised from this development, that such objects were not the sole answer, as all research had pointed to the fact that, “Old people and technology don’t mix well.” This realisation got me thinking and encouraged me too look into the technology my user group would have grown up with, be accustomed to and was familiar with. Through exploration the object that stood out to me, and had most possibility was the radio. Could I -
Repurpose the shell and shape of the radio, with new functionality? Use technology that the older generation are accustomed to and comfortable with? The product has more of a focus on mechanical interactions and physical touchpoints.
With a potential product theme, I looked back to the tools used today, for keeping organised and on track with activities needing to be done that day. Through the research and interview stage it was apparent, the tools used today (Including post-it notes, to-do lists and calendars didn’t work for those suffering from dementia. Perhaps being able to remember information of one of these mediums for a short period of time, the user would forget the event or task five minutes later. Alternatively research showed that those getting a call from their family to remember an certain event, the same thing would happen and they would forget the phone call, or the whole situating would cause annoyance often as the sufferer of dementia felt their family was stealing their independence. On this point I began to think, how could -
To try and factor in these two new ‘what ifs,’ I developed some simple radio designs with a dependence upon a front screen in which information could be displayed clearly. With a focus on mechanical and simple function interactions, I looked into and began developing ideas around dials as shown. Inspired by the familiarity of dials on many of the classic radios, I looked to develop ideas that elderly people would be familiar and comfortable with using. Through this exploration, I developed two simple radio designs that I lasercut and protyped
as shown below. The main purpose of this was to test and explore how the user could interact with the device. This video prototype can be viewed from the provided memory pen. On reflection, deciding to and producing a number of video protoytypes at this time was
extremely beneficial. Although time consuming, and something in the past I’ve only ever really produced to show a final experience or product idea. By producing small short length videos at this stage, I was able to physically and very visually tell what worked, and what didn’t. In comparing this to sketchbook work or scale models, I believe the result was like night and day. Although feeling before this process, that I had produced product ideas with very simple interactions, I realised through this process of producing the videos that the interactions were too complex, the designs needed simplifying, and anything that wasn’t of any use, had to go. Although taking a lot more effort and time to produce, I felt the video prototypes were very effective, and are something I will continue to use and implement more into my design practice.
Independence be maintained through the use of continuous, subtle, simple and clear prompts, acting is assistance rather than an annoyance or hindrance? Could there be a way to keep the dementia suffers family and close friends feeling comfortable by enabling independence, yet monitor and keep an eye on them from a distance, remotely?
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DEVELOPM ENT
SKETCHBOOK WORK Leaving a space for commenting on sketchbook work in every PPJ over the last couple of projects has allowed me to reflect and compare how my sketchbook style and work has changed over a quite short amount of time. Used more as diaries, planners, idea generators, I now focus more on documenting, iterating and ideating in comparison to the finishing touches, the overall look or neatness that I once previously did. On doing so, working iteratively I believe I have developed a process that now allows me not only develop and iterate more quickly, but its allowed me to work in such a way, I believe tells more to my story and the decision making made during the project. My sketchbook documents the mistakes, the failures, the random ideas that entered my head whilst walking down the street. I believe my sketchbooks are a great tool to look back upon, and are something I will cherish and value for a long time to come.
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FINALISING DESIGNS Based on the results of my initial video prototypes, through concepts I began to simplify my radio designs. With a focus on trying encourage independence through prompts on the front screen, I questioned what if the user travels into another room, or leaves their home. Could the device have a portable version in which could it could be carried around on the go?
Hence I began to explore the possibilities of a portable touch point. Something small and physical that could be held in one hand. My research and interview stages had suggested often those suffering from dementia could fidget with the skin on their hands, that in cases of dementia sufferers in hospital settings were given tangible materials to hold and touch. I questioned could this device or object possibly work towards answering these specific needs? How could it relate to the main device, and how could it prompt the user to events, acting in assistance rather than an annoyance?
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I personally feel this quick sketchy iterative approach to designing and documenting quick ideas works very well for myself. It encourages me to work at a pace, and document and quickly write down any ideas that come into my head, in the long run producing more ideas, developing concepts further and producing better end results.
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FINALISING DESIGNS Repurposing the radio, my finalised design aimed to promote independence through the use of prompts displayed and placed through the radio device. Based in a centralised spot within the home, the device would show upcoming events or reminders through the front display, whilst a small used less frequently display would show an overview of the day. The touchpoint, would be a portable alternative and simpler version of the device, allowing the user to be prompted of events and task on the go. With a simple grey aesthetic, the product would be based on simple use and interactions, with the displays being the important access and attention points.
Although believing renderings are not the best option, and feeling physical real mock-ups are always the best solution, under the time constraints I decided to produce a quick rendering as shown to the left and above. By doing this, I was able to get a rough idea of how my designs could work and look in situe. With the intention that my product should be able to fit into and work with the styling’s of many home environments, I was pleased with the results of this rendering. It gave the product idea life, and more of a context to be based in.
DESIGN INTENT
Pinch to activate
TOUCH POINT
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As shown to the left, I produced a mood board. Having collected a large number images, inspiration and relevant material over the project process, producing this visual aid was a quick and effective tool to look at, helping me keep on track with the aesthetics and functionality of what I intended to produce. Often using moodboards in the later stages of projects, I find this tool a very effective one, not only to correlate my thoughts and direction, but also to contrast from where the project began, and how much the design has grown. Now having a set design and aesthetic, I felt it was important to develop and define a final design specification if you will. Something to check back to regularly, to make sure I was covering every point set.
DESIGN Specification
Design a product for the home that helps enable the elderly in the early stages of dementia stay and function independently with daily tasks and events, whilst family and carers are able to still monitor and check up on their loved one remotely. The interface and interactions with the product promote a personal centred care plan, aiding with orientation and awareness, in the long run creating a more comfortable and cognizant environment within the home setting.
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TOUCHPOINT
PERSONAL PREFERENCE
On producing these prototypes, I soon came to reflect that these touch points in no way matched the overall style when combined with the simple, functional aesthetic of the radio device as shown to the left. With this device having a very functional feel, I wanted the touch point to aesthetically match the design yet be more of an object that could evoke a more emotional and tactile feel. Something that could be for a purpose and use, yet still be used as an alternative to a figit toy. Something the user could hold, feel, rub. From my research often tactile, physical objects were used in dementia cases to reduce anxiety and stress. I hoped my touch point could also factor in these aspects.
Throughout the research and interview stage, I would often read and hear about reoccurring stories of dementia sufferers acting in specific and individually unusual ways that often were presumed to be instances that had stemmed from specific memories of past events or habits they perhaps had carried out through their lives. Often men within care home or hospital settings during the later stages of dementia would measure with their hand and inspect door frames and handles as if carrying out DIY tasks. Alternatively often women in confused states could be calmed when given handbags or specific personal possessions to hold. With no clear scientific facts to prove these ideas were the root causes, these ideas stood only as theories, but encouraged me to explore ideas could those suffering from dementia perhaps benefit and identify more with a wooden touch point if their life had perhaps involved a substantial amount of building or perhaps DIY jobs working with wood? Alternatively could women sufferers identify more with a fabric touch point, due to a lifetime often of carrying a handbag or purse?
AUDIO PLAYED ONCE PRESSED
BUTTON INDENTATION
SPEAKER GRILLS
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CLEAR DISK FOR LIGHT TO SHINE THROUGH
CHARGING CONNECTIONS
NEEDS TO FIT IN PALM OF HAND
TOUCH / STROKE
VIBRATES
On reflection, I believed this statement generalized people and user groups too much, but it did bring into question the topic of personal preference. With different people preferring, identifying and valuing materials differently, I began to explore ideals on how I could potentially provide more of a personalized product by offering a choice off different touch points each with its own individual material properties. Believing strongly in and appreciating good material design, I felt this was an important component to look into and explore. Producing an artifact so dependent on touch, I needed to develop and test different materials in this context. As shown I produced a number of prototypes in different materials. This process was not only a good practice to test the materials use within the context, but it also let me test and work a variety of very different forms testing and exploring each ones constraints and properties.
Above: Exploring anthropometrics through the testing of button like indentations carved into the forms
NEEDS TO BE PLEASANT TO TOUCH
Est 60mm
PINCH TO ACTIVATE
From these findings realised through prototyping, I began looking into alternative materials that could function these needs, both aesthetically and texturally. As shown I began testing different fabrics, felts and cottons. Through this testing, I found I needed to produce quick shell like shapes in which I could wrap the fabrics. Through vacuum forming these quick shells I accidently found a great feature from using these thin plastics as a base. Just what I was looking for, the shells when pressed would give in, acting button like. This find was perfect for my touch point, now not only matching my overall design, but feeling and functioning as the product was intended.
PROMPTS USER TO ENGAGE BY PRESSING TOUCH POINT
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LIGHTS UP
TOUCHPOINT
PROMPTS & ACTIVATION Through prototyping and arriving at felted fabric touch points, I was happy with the texture and feel of the objects. The components were confortable and pleasant to hold, whilst still featuring a centre that could be pressed as if a button, enabling it to be activated. As shown to the right, I experimented with the addition of a clear acrylic centre. This centre was to act as a clearer way of delivering a light when the user is prompted to a event or reminder. The touch point would vibrate and the light would flash attracting the users attention. As shown below, I have develped a short story board of the three components to this engagement. Through testing I was questions around what if the user forgot or lost the device. Being that it was a small device, and with users suffering from loss of memory, I felt it was important to develop ways in which the touch point could be attached to the users person when leaving the home or traveling away from the main device.
1.
On leaving the home, the user can carry the touchpoint on their hip attached to clothing or belt.
On reflection, I am very pleased I carried out this iterative approach towards the development of the touch point. By testing them along side sketches and rough renderings of my proposed main device, I was able to quickly decide these two components didn’t at the time, work with each other. Through the testing of a multitude of materials and developing ways of producing the touch point, I came across and in the end felt I produced far better and higher fidelity models. Although testing models with clear centres, I was unsure by the larger profile to the object, and decided that by using felts lights could be shone through this material, creating a aesthetically pleasing look as well as being more subtle, and having a thinner, reduced profile easier and nicer to hold.
2.
To signify a reminder, the touch point vibrates and lights up.
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3.
Testing ways in which the users can carry the touch point on their person, with eay visability and access to the device
As shown to the left, I began to develop the docking station for the touchpoint. This would not only charge to battery for the small device, but it would act as the central hub to access and return the device when not in use. With routines and habits at the centre focus of the product, even the smallest aspects like having the same place to return and access a device, I believed was important, helping to lead to a routine driven, independent user.
On noticing the prompt, the user can grab and press the device to hear an audio playback of the next up coming event. S E LF- I N I TI ATE D - 3 3 - M AY 1 7
THE INTERFACE
INTERFACES
With the intention of designing the physical artifact (radio) as a very functional, simplistic and at the fore-front easy to use device, I used inspiration from the likes of the Bouroullec brothers and their design of the Samsung Serif TV, where they took the very generic aesthetics of aFrom black flat panelled TV and added a completely new look, Rachael structure and purpose to the device. Other “Don’t yourstood doctors than their new shape forget design, what out appointment at to to me was their detail and close attention the UI of the display. A practice only really 2.30pm” taken into account, and valued in this industry in recent years.
PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERFACE Taking into account the user types very specific needs and Fromevolve to support the user aiming to develop a product that could Rachael transitioning into the later and more demanding stages of dementia, I felt it“Don’t was important to have a set and clear list of forget your doctors principles or objectives to achieve through my design. appointment at The interface needed -
Saturday morning
From Rachael
“Don’t forget your doctors
Above: Early sketch visualising screen interface as the accent point or attention for the product. appointment at
2.30pm”
ORIENTATION & AWARENESS
CONSISTENCY
To be effective, the screens needed to be consistant with a similar style, user interface and user experience. Untitled-2.indd 2
From
2. TOUCHPOINT IS PRESSED, AUDIO IS PLAYED AND DEVIcE INTERFACE Rachael SLIDES TO NEXT SCREEN TO SHOW “Don’t forgetUPCOMING yourEVENT doctors OR REMINDER.
appointment at 2.30pm”
Research, current solutions and products for dementia supported the fact that ‘information takes time to sink in,’ so information needed to be simplied as much as possible, using colour and imagery to help distinguish and be easily recognisable from a distance.
SENDER Rachael
“Don’t forget your doctors appointment at 2.30PM”
Home, Glasgow From Rachael
“Don’t forget your doctors appointment at 2.30pm”
TEXT VERSION From OF MESSAGE Rachael “Don’t forget your doctors SYMBOLISM appointment at OF TYPE OF 2.30pm”
MAIN HOME SCREEN
MESSAGE
00:17
00:47
UPCOMING EVENT SCREEN
From
2.30pm”
The less present on the interface, the more effective it would be.
10:30am “Don’t forget your doctors appointment at 2.30pm”
7th March 2017
Named as the ‘Curtain,’ the Bouroullec’s Serif UI design acted as a skin over the TV interface allowing a shortcut and main interface to be activated whilst still displaying something else. In my product’s case, I wanted to emulate a similar function through the radio’s front interface. With research showing that Orientation and Awareness was hugely important for those suffering from dementia, I felt the front interface, easily viewable from all angles needed to be something simple, that was always there, and could purpose for someone using it at a glance. With Orientation and Awareness one of the first and most impactful aspects to be lost through the disease, I felt this feature was key and fundamental to the design. Acting as if a sort of home screen. This particular interface could then be swiped through, by using the dial, or as shown below through the use of the touchpoint. Once the the upcoming event was played, the interface would return to the home or main screen.
COLOUR, SYMBOLS & SHORT WORDS
SIMPLICITY IS KEY
From Rachael
As shown, I developed a number of screens based on the different functions and features of the product for both the front and top screen. Using colour, I wanted these components to be the aspects that stood out from the overall device, catching the users attention and being easily visible for a distance. With a simple design the front face functioned with a display to inform, orientate, and jump into action when an upcoming event of reminder was being prompt. Other than these times, the front face would display simple information such as times, date, weather and location to help orientate the user at any point. The top screen, designed to be used less, would act as an overview, showing the events of the day, similar to a day overview or planner. Happy with the functionality of these screens, at this stage it was difficult to figure out for definite if the screens would function as proposed, with out testing them in situe and alongside the main device.
From
Rachael
“Don’t forget your doctors appointment at 2.30pm” Untitled-5 1
16/05/2017 23:18
Untitled-5 1
17/05/2017 00:27
1. AS A PROMpt, The Touchpoint vibrates and emites light to attract user.
S E LF- I N I TI ATE D - 3 4 - M AY 1 7
TOP OVERVIEW SCREEN From
Rachael
17/05/2017 01:22
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“Don’t forget your doctors appointment at
From
Rachael
“Don’t forget your doctors appointment at
M A N U FA C T U R E Heading into the manufacturing stage, I went in with a clear idea on the style and designed artefact I wanted to create. Designing the radio, I wanted its aesthetic not only to look good, but seem and act as very functional. With a focus on simplisity my design didn’t need anything extra, no added buttons or dials or indentations to confuse the user. My intention was to produce a device that could fit and blend into most homes, with the interfaces adding the colour and accent to the overall design, selling and drawing the attention of the user to the simple, yet to the point information and prompts being shown. Through this process I was inspired by Braun apprach to their products designs and their simple sleek designs that added aspect of accents through the addition of colours and added colour tones. Emulating this approach. My interfaces were to be the accent and attention point of the product. With the two plains as shown to the right, being the centre focus for the user.
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FRONT VIEW
TOP VIEW
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M ANUFACTURE
As mentioned on the previous page, I went into the manufacturing stage with a clear idea and intention of what I wanted to achieve, what the proposed aesthetic was and the processes in which I could produce my prototype. The intention was to produce a high quality, finished radio like device, that had a clean cut, aesthetically pleasing matt grey finish. From research I had discovered that my proposed aesthetic could be produced using vacuum forming techniques in which a mould could be vacuum formed into shape, before being painted the intended colour. I began by setting to work and produced a mould made from layers of 18mm MDF. On reflection this was a poor choice of material to use, as structurally the material was very weak, and when the top layer of the wooden sheets were removed, the material became extremely porous. With the resources I had to hand, at the time this was the best option I had to use. On producing the main solid box structure, I used a number of manufacturing techniques including router and lathe work to add details to the mould’s shape. With the material choice, this process took much longer than I had intended. Due to the size of the prototype, it had to be designed separately in three parts (two sides and the top), to be fitted and used within the vacuum former. Having vacuum formed a number of sections of the prototype I was quite surprised by the strength and rigidness of the vacuum formed parts. Having been previously nervous of the process of using vacuum forming from past negative experiences with finishes of the material, initially I was happy with the results. But when it came to sanding down to finish the parts to be attached together, I soon discovered the immense task and problems that would occur with this process. Realising vacuum forming was not the route I should have taken, I only had one option, but to finish my original mould itself. If it was not for the great help from the highly experienced and knowledgeable workshop technicians I know my result would not be the same and would not have the same detail or finish it now currewntly has. I am very grateful for the amount of care, time and effort they all put into each students projects, always happy to help or advise alternative measures or processes. On that point, I was advised to try to imitate the smooth surface of vacuum formed plastics through the use of sanding and many layers of car filler, a silicate like material. On carrying out these processes numerous times, I was actually very surprised by the higher quality finish than expected. On carry out this process several times Susanna one of the workshop technicians offered for me to use an alternative spray booth outside the Reid workshop, to use a spray gun rather than a can, hoping it would produce a better higher quality finish. This use of a spray gun was incredibly beneficial, not only did it produce a higher quality finish with an even coated surface. Being a far quicker process to carry out, I was able to coat the product in a number of heavy coats, which added to and covered up most imperfections within the material. Attaining more of a final outcome, similar to that of what I had originally set out to achieve, I was very happy with the finish of this main part. I also produced a number of aluminium parts in the metal workshop, having mentioned previously that I felt the knurled textures of the aluminium dials and button added to the functional use and aesthetic of the product, I added these before finishing up the last minute aspects to my design. Although at numerous times I was unsure as to how the prototype would end up, I was pleasantly surprised by the final outcome. Although it wasn’t the material or quality I had intended, I still feel the premise is there, and the model speaks and tells of its function. Although happily surprised with the result, I do intend to revisit this aspect of the project. From working with a number of workshop technicians through this process, I believe from their advice, I should re-model the prototype in Foamex, a texturally wood like material, that can be worked into with great detail. On that, I would also change the tone of grey, feeling that by darkening this slightly, it would match more closely and work better with the aluminium accents, suiting an working with more home settings. Through this manufacturing process, I made a lot of mistakes, but at the same time I learnt a lot, and know have the skills and knowledge to revisit this aspect of the project to improve and make the necessary changes.
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FINAL ARTEFACT
BRANDING When beginning to look at branding and names for my product, I made a conscious effort try and produce a brand or name that focused on a positive note. I wanted to develop a brand that avoided stigmatising the product or develop a name that could possibly have negative connotations towards the disease. Early on when brainstorming I was coming up with names that very much focused of dementia, the disease and its effects, but by stepping back I began to look at what was the user actually getting out of the product, what was the value in its use? The product aided with independence, routine, comfort, ability and so on. It provided a means to remind and prompt the user on ‘thoughts’ they might forget. I believed Thoughts was a suitable name for the product, because in a way, it could be seen as a bank storage system for family members and close friends to store thoughts, as the user now wasn’t able to attain these thoughts for and length of time. As shown to the left, I began to ideate logos, but very quickly on I felt that none suited or matched the product in any way. I felt the Thoughts device, the touchpoint and their aesthetic should speak for themselves, with the logo only being a simple name and something to identify the product with. Experimenting with font types and weights instead, I decided that a simple Sofia Font type suited the brand and more impornatntly worked with the Thoughts device and touchpoint. I personally feel this decision to keep branding and the logo simple worked with ‘Thoughts.’ With a very functional and purposeful design, I believe a logo would have taken away from this, portraying the brand as something it wasn’t.
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REFLECTION A product for the home that helps enable the elderly in the early stages of Dementia stay and function independently with daily tasks and events, whilst family and carers are able to still monitor and check up on their loved one remotely. The interface and interactions with the product promote a personal centred care plan, aiding with orientation and awareness, in the long run creating a more comfortable and cognizant environment within the home setting. (summary of product)
Reflecting on this project, having spoken to many people, even having explained the project to strangers, the thing that stands out to me is the fact that everyone has been affected by the disease in some way or an other, it may be a father, a mother, a grandmother or family friend. No matter whom I spoke to, the topic brought out interest, intrigue, and many own individual ideas and experiences from others. Although challenging at times this project was extremely rewarding and culminated in a product for the home. Having taken on board the many issues brought up in my research and evaluated these, the focus point of my project became promoting the independence of the user. Families and carers of dementia patients often feel the urge to protect and help, but in doing so, they take over caring for every need, promoting dependence rather than independence. I believe my concept delivers on empowering the user; enabling them to continue on for as long as possible living independently. Aided or helped by a device that provides subtle prompts to upcoming events, tasks or objectives for the day, encouraging and promoting reliance upon routine, scheduling and supporting habits. Built with aesthetics of pure functionality, the aesthetic and design of the device has been carefully planned to provide a product that can be simple to use and interact with. Considering the many opinions in my research that older people and technology don’t work well together, I knew it had to be very user friendly to an older age bracket with brain function impairment and so the simple Braun inspired, looking early radio, would encourage use by the target user. Although happy with the style of the device, I am still unhappy with the overall final prototype, and I intend to revisit this aspect to develop some alternatives. Investigating a smaller scale, and placing an emphasis on larger screen interfaces should help to aid with poor eye sight often found in older users.
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REFLECTION
The manufacturing process was a challenging and at times upsetting one, but from these challenges and tribulations I have acquired a number of new skills. I am happy with the outcome of the physical touch point, believing it’s functionality works well, and through my iterations of design, I believe it is now a more physically emotive and tangible addition to the overall concept. I feel all aspects need more development, including the interfaces, and I intent to do so, but I believe the principles and the premise are still strong within the concept. With an aging and rising population and care systems already stretched, I believe the insights and discoveries I have highlighted through this project will need to be brought up and be factored into future personalized care plans. This concept design could benefit organizations such as the NHS dealing with their social care packages for dementia patients offering opportunities to help and promote independent living in the comfort and reassuring safety of their own home for as long as possible. Further more, I believe with the principles in place, my concept could be developed further, perhaps as a platform-based ecosystem. More parties could be involved, wider social spheres; doctors or hospital trusts etc could contribute to the product, imputing their own daily reminders and prompts for the user. With this in mind the product could, although originally based for the extreme user (dementia sufferer) be suitable and bring value to a wider market and an aging user population.
TOP INTERFACE FRONT INTERFACE
TOUCHPOINT
FAMILY DOCTORS / HOSPITAL TRUST CARERS
THOUGHTS DEVICE
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USER