Graduation Project 2012
Furniture for the Elderly Sponsor
Elephant Design Pvt. Ltd. Student
Mileha Soneji
Industrial Design (Product Design)
Industry Guide
Faculty Guide
Ashish Deshpande Amit Deshmukh
The Graduation Project Evaluation Jury recommends MILEHA SONEJI to be awarded the Graduation Degree at the MIT Institute of Design, Pune IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN (PRODUCT DESIGN) herewith, for the project titled “FURNITURE FOR THE ELDERLY” MEMBERS: NAME
ORGANISATION
on fulfilling the further requirements by *
(*Subsequent remarks regarding fulfilling the requirements :)
GRADUATION PROJECT 2012 PROGRAMME : UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME
Chairperson of the Jury
SIGNATURE
Furniture For The Elderly Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
Synopsis
The Diploma Project has been done at Elephant Design Pvt. Ltd. under the guidance of Ashish Deshpande and college guide Prof. Amit Deshmukh for a period of 6 months. The Project Brief was to design Furniture for the Elderly keeping in mind the existing products and benchmarks and also keeping in mind the need of the user. This sector has not been explored completely by designers. The no. of elderly in India are on the rise and this sector needs attention. There are a lot of products that have been designed for Foreign countries. But this project was done keeping in mind the Indian scenario and the Indian users and their trends. The market for the products in this sector is ever increasing. Hence, the scope of this project is vast.
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ANALYSIS
The project started with Mind Mapping. I put up all the furniture items that an elderly interacts with in the various rooms of the house. The nature of interaction depends on the time at which the elderly interacts and the his mood. The furniture, the emotional needs of the elderly, the benchmarks etc were all put up in visuals on the board. Then interviews were done asking the elderly their daily routine and the discomfort they face in the chairs, tables, cupboards and various other furniture items that they use. There was a market study also conducted to see the products that are available in the market for the elderly. After analysing the research and getting together the basic requirements of the elderly in the furniture items were extracted and conceptualisation was started based on these points. Then the main furniture items required by the elderly were short listed and a full study and ideation was done on various mechanisms and methods in which the furniture items could be made elderly friendly. This mechanism had to be such that it could run across other furniture items as well so that it would create a family in the furniture. As I went on deviating and generalising the mechanisms too much, my guide asked me to focus on one furniture item namely the seating
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solution for the elderly - ‘a chair’. Hence, I applied the short listed mechanisms and the principle insights to a chair. I studied the existing chairs and their shortcomings keeping the elderly in mind. The chair took its shape with the inputs and requirements of my guide Ashish Deshpande. Various mechanisms were studied, tried and discarded. A prototype was made in plywood before finalising the form to see the proportions and to work out the mechanisms. A lot of changes took place in the form of the chair, its basic functions, materials, aesthetics after studying the mock up. Adequate compromises had to be made and this decision was the toughest of all. The detailing of the chair was done to the core for the final stage of prototyping. The final prototype involved various factories and skilled labours. This was the toughest and the most time consuming part as it involved coordinating various people as the chair was being made in parts and its final assembly was to be done in the Elephant workshop. But once the chair was done it was good to see the design in full scale and validation was done. The elderly pointed out the good points and the flaws in the chair and thus, the chair was validated and due to time constraints the project was brought to an end.
FINAL CONCEPT
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Acknowledgements A lot of people need to be thanked in making this Diploma Project a success. This project helped me put together my learning in college and the industry. I would like to thank Ashish Deshpande for giving me this opportunity and guiding me through the whole project and being patient with me. I would also like to thank my college guide Prof. Amit Deshmukh and HOD Prof. Sanjay Jain for their support and making sure I had all that was required by the college. I would like to thank all my colleagues Nayaab, Yogesh, Ankita, Amruta, Renu, Shailesh, Sagar, Nishchint, Flip and Pankhuri for being there for me always and making my stay in Elephant memorable. My sincere thanks to Kshitij who made sure I documented everything properly and also made me think different from the usual way that designers are taught to think. I would like to thank Gerry and Anand for helping me in the detailing. My friends Sayali, Amit, Poonam, Satbir and Praneti and my sister Komal and my parents who have handled my tantrums and kept me going till the end, what would I do without you. Ojas without whom the metal part of the frame would have been impossible. I would also like to thank all my classmates for their help. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in making the prototype, Gopal kaka, the owners of the factories and the workers and labourers for their skilled help.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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Contents Introduction
MIT Institute of Design Elephant Design Pvt. Ltd. Project Process Flow
Pre-Project Preparations Project Brief Mind Mapping
Survey
Survey Methodology User Survey Interviews Synopsis of the Interviews Market Survey Survey Insights
Analysis
Analysis of Interviews Analysis of Insights Principle Insights Family of Furniture
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7 8 9
10
12 13 14 18 19 20 63 72 82 83 84 88 90 94
Design Directions & Conceptualisation
96 98 108 116 118
Chair
120 121
Initial Concepts Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture Application of Insights on a Chair Concepts for Chair Mock-Up Modelling and Insights Final Concept Sketches and Ideation Form Features and Detailing Material and Production Processes CAD Model Prototyping
Validation Market Potential Elevator Pitch Experience Bibliography
124 126 128 134 138 140 143 146 152 154 156
Introduction MIT Institute of Design | Elephant Design Pvt. Ltd. | Project Process Flow
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MIT Institute of Design The Maharashtra Academy of Engineering Education and Research (MAEER), was established as a society and trust with the sole aim of creating and developing professional education facilities to train the aspiring young generation and thus to provide dedicated, ambitious and skilled professionals to serve the society and the nation at large. MAEER believes that “The union of Science and Spirituality alone will bring Harmony and Peace to the Humanity” as said by Swami Vivekananda. The vision of the founders of MAEER is to create a “Centre of Excellence in the field of Education and Research.” Since its inception, MAEER has been striving for the betterment of the society through value based education system. With over 50,000 students across varied disciplines under its umbrella, it has achieved tremendous success in a short span of time and reflects excellence in the fields of Engineering, Medicine, Research, Management, Primary and Secondary Education, Peace Studies, Environment and Pollution control and also towards promoting Human Values and attaining the ultimate goal of World Peace. The motto of MAEER is “To harness the knowledge of Science and Technology for the welfare of the society”
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ANALYSIS
Elephant Design Pvt. Ltd. Elephant is a strategic design and innovation consultancy that partners with organizations to transform them into dynamic, profitable and meaningful entities. Every brand communicates the company’s promise to its users, but for the communication to have a powerful impact on the users minds it is necessary to create a memorable journey. At Elephant, they analyze the users attitudes, behaviours, interactions and expectations from the brand. User journey maps that will create strong, multi-sensorial experiences are built with a focus of bringing the brand alive. Graduated from faculty of visual communication of National Institute of Design (India) in 1989 with specialization in corporate communication & branded environments. Founder Director & Principal Designer of Elephant Strategy + Design (since 1989). Ashwini specializes in strategic design and planning of consumer product branding as well as branded environments & retail.
Ashish leads the Product Experience group at Elephant. Over the years he has lead several design projects ranging from appliances, lifestyle products & medical equipment to retail and experiential environments. He and his team at Elephant Design have been a recipient of several awards including Jindal Stainless Steel Innovation award, finalist at international Spark Awards 2009 and the recent Plasticon Award 2009 for product innovation. Graduated from faculty of Visual Communication of National Institute of Design (India) in 1989 with specialization in communication through films and other narrative media. Partho specializes in corporate branding, brand communication and experiential design projects. Over the years Partho has helped in formulating brand and innovation strategy for a diverse set of clients in pharmaceuticals, automotive, banking, engineering, FMCG. Notable projects include Electronica, Bilcare, Goodknight, Bajaj Auto Limited, Commonwealth Youth Games 2008.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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Project Process Flow
Mind Mapping
Market Survey
User Survey
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
Analysis of the Survey
Mapping the Daily Routine and Analysing the Benchmarks
Principle Insights
ANALYSIS
Ideation of Mechanisms that can be adapted in different Furniture Items
Trial on a Mock Up Full scale Model and analysing the problems and making changes
Conceptualisation of Chair
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Prototyping
Form, Material and Technical Detailing
Validation
FINAL CONCEPT
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Pre-Project Preparations Project Brief | Mind Mapping
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Project Brief
To design a piece of Furniture or a range of Furniture items keeping in mind the needs of the Elderly aged 65 yrs
and above. The Elderly of the Upper-Middle class who may be suffering from Arthritis due to which they suffer from pain in the joints. The Furniture item should be designed considering the Indian scenario and the nature of the Elderly.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Mind Mapping In mind mapping I started with charting the various rooms in a house and the various furniture items in the rooms that an elderly might interact with. The type of interaction would depend on the time at which the elderly interacts with the piece of furniture, the mind frame in which he interacts with it, activity performed while interacting with it, the company that the elderly has while the interaction is taking place, the discomforts or problems faced by the elderly which affect the smooth interaction etc. The emotional needs and the emotional state of the elderly also plays an important role and hence has to be studied. Also, in India a lot of elderly live with their children, hence, in a joint family the kind of interaction with the furniture and the needs of the elderly differ from those of the elderly living on their own. Considering all this, the mind map was an overall view of all the furniture items that an elderly might interact with. It also mapped the benchmarks existing in the market and their positive and negative points. The mind map was hence a place to return to when in need of inspiration and also made my place in the office more visible as it shouted out the project that I was doing. It was also due to putting everything on the board that a lot of people in the office (who I had never spoken to) interacted with me and gave their inputs that were very helpful.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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Mind Mapping
Diseases of the Elderly
Survey Survey Methodology | User Survey | Market Survey | Survey Insights | Synopsis of the Survey
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Survey Methodology Survey
User Survey
Age groups
Lifestyle
Market Survey
Religion and mother Tongue
65 - 75 yrs
Elderly Couples
75 - 90 yrs
Single Grandmothers
90 yrs and above
Single Grandfathers
Marharashtrian
Existing Products in the market
Products for the handicapped that could be used for the elderly
Gujarati South Indian North Indian
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User Survey Elderly Couples
Name : Mr. Madhukar Datatre Deshpande and Mrs. Sudha Madhukar Deshpande Age : Mr. Deshpande: 84 and Mrs. Deshpande: 79 Members in the house : 5 (Granddaughter 1, Son, Daughter-in-law and 1 granddaughter is married.) Income Group : Higher Middle class Daily routine : Mr. Deshpande gets up early in the morning around 5 am and makes tea. Then he gets ready has a bath and once he is done with his morning routine he goes out for a walk depending on whether it is raining or not. He does ‘Pranayam’ and exercise and then goes out for a walk for about an hour. He believes that this habit of exercise and walking has kept him fit for very long. Reads the newspaper after coming back and eats around 12 p.m. Then he reads the newspaper in detail and does not sleep in the afternoon as he sleeps early in the night around 9 p.m. He does not watch much of TV. He is an avid writer and writes poems. He sits on his table inside or on the dining table and writes poems. He does not face any problem while writing. Reading and writing are the habits that keep him busy in the day. He tends to forget names and his spectacles here and there. But he blames that on age. He uses a stick sometimes but he finds it very heavy and so his shoulder pains. He avoids using it and only uses it when its very necessary like on a staircase. He always has a medicine with him as he has a weak heart. He walks to a Datta Temple that has very good benches and is peaceful. He does not like going to the garden as the road is very unpredictable, sudden slope and sudden climb. So he prefers the temple and there is his group of friends who regularly meet there every day. He is going to undergo a cataract operation as he suddenly has a lot of problem while reading and was avoiding having an operation but gave in as the doctor said that it is necessary. Emotional aspects : Mr. Deshpande recalled a very nice incident where once he got very tired while he was on a walk and he requested a person to get him a rickshaw but that person was extremely kind and got his car and dropped him home. He also gave his card and said that in case of any emergency he must call anytime. At home he does feel neglected at times. Small things like his family members are not interested in listening to his poems. He was very keen on learning the computer but no one had the time or urge to teach him. He feels that he is a burden in their busy lives and tries to stay out of it. But they obviously take care of his health and needs. His daughter-in-law will take him to the doctor for the operation and the daily tests. Thus, he is fine with how his life is. Just a little bit of attention from his family would make him happy. SURVEY
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Daily Routine : Mrs. Deshpande suffered from brain tumor 12 yrs ago and in the operation her optical nerves broke due to which her eyesight was lost. She can see only from one eye and that too is very blurred. She had to leave reading and writing, which was her life as she was a teacher. This was a sudden shock to her. She met a person who gave her an instrument called ‘Bhing’ that helped her read again. She considers this person as an angle in her life. He brought back reading in her life. She used to read at the speed of a deer but now she started reading with the ‘Bhing’ that is a magnifying glass that allows reading possible. It also has a light that helps reading in the night. speed of an elephant but she at least started. She started giving lectures again and started writing and reading. Her husband supported her throughout. Taking her to the place and getting her back. Without his support it would not have been possible. But she stopped going out of the house as she lost her confidence. The vehicles on the road and traffic is something that scares her. Initially she used to go but always with someone. She started reducing it as she did not like the fact that she was taking up someone’s time. She does not feel that her work is that important to tell someone to leave their work and just take her out for a walk. She was a part of a group called ‘Jestha Nagrik Mandal’ and her daughter-in-law or granddaughter or husband used to take her initially but slowly it stopped. She helps in the kitchen doing small things. She enjoys drying clothes and is very systematic in drying and folding clothes. She takes pride in how she folds the clothes that they do not require ironing. Even keeping the washed vessels for drying and in their places is her job. She believes that this work lets her time pass and also gives her body exercise. Her sleep has reduced due to age. She gets sleep in breaks. Hence when she gets up around 3 or 4 she starts reading in the night and hence she gets up around 8. She sleeps in the afternoon and in the evening reads the newspaper and does some work in the house. Eats dinner with her husband around 8.30 p.m. The other members of the house eat later. Emotional aspect: She looks at life positively. Slight sight is better than no sight at all. She cannot go out of the house but she roams around in the house. She takes pleasure in that. She went to Swami Swarupanad’s ashram where she studied the Geeta. This helped her accept things in life and she is satisfied with what she has. She never gets angry with anyone and has no complaints. Some people feel that she does not have a heart and feels nothing. One should understand oneself and then one will never be angry with others. She reads in the balcony, listening to the birds and in the trees. She has adjusted to her life and does not feel that she does not feel piteous or incapable. People who care come and meet her and others who do not must be busy is what she believes.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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Mr. Deshpande finds this chair most comfortable. He likes the fact that it has wheels and has a tall back that provides good support. The arms of the chair help him get out of the chair easily. They both believe that all the furniture should have wheels so that it can be moved without effort. The bathroom should have support and also staircases should have support. The height of the sofas and cots should not be too low. Mrs. Deshpande prefers sliding doors as they open with less effort. ‘Kamod’ is something that is very necessary for them. They both believe that everything they do they have to keep in mind their age and do it with caution. Abroad there is a lot done for the aged. Books with a large and bold font, chairs that work on electricity, special tools for gardening etc. But they believe that such things will not work in India due to the economic state. But people abroad do not have emotional satisfaction as they have every facility that their kids do not visit them at all. Designing is more for the aged abroad as they have to live alone. In India, elderly live with their children and so there is less need for them.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
The dining table is used to eat food and write as well. They find it comfortable. The only problem is that the legs of the table come in the way while sitting.
This is their room. The table and chair is where they both read and write and the shelves above have their books. Bending and opening the drawers is not much of a problem for them. Mr. Deshpande enjoys sitting on the swing. Getting out of it is sometimes a problem but he manages it.
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FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
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The shoe rack is in their room and they have to carry their shoes to the hall and sit on the sofa and wear it. They avoid wearing their footwear standing. Bending to remove the shoes is sometimes a pain.
Mrs. Deshpande uses this every morning. She combs her hair and other grooming is done here only. She has no problem with the stool and can sit on it till she is done with her work.
This stand is in their balcony where Mrs. Deshpande enjoys drying clothes and removes it and takes it to her room for folding. She uses a stick to dry clothes on the rods above. She believes this is good exercise for her.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
This seating is very low and they do not sit on it at all as getting out of it is very difficult. They need someone’s help to get out of it.
The sofa is more comfortable as it has slight hard cushioning and the height is appropriate.
This is the centre table and they both find it very heavy. This table with wheels would be much better.
Also bending down to get the newspaper causes pain.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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User Survey Elderly Couples
Name : Mr. S. Krishnamurthy and Mrs. Sharda S. Krishnamurthy. Age : Mr. S. Krishnamurthy: 79 and Mrs. Sharda S. Krishnamurthy: 74. Members in the house : Just the 2 of them. Daughter stays in Anandnagar that is close by. Income Group : Higher Middle class Daily routine : Mr. Krishnamurthy’s routine is not fixed it’s a wavering routine. Mrs. Krishnamurthy though goes for a walk everyday around 7 am. Mornings sometimes there is grocery shopping or bank work to do so that is all done by Mr. Krishnamurthy. This keeps him occupied till 11 – 11.30. Then he does his pooja and then lunch. After lunch around 2 o’clock they both enjoy their sleep. Around 4.30 they have their tea and then Mrs. Krishnamurthy goes to Anandnagar to her daughter’s place. Mr. Krishnamurthy carries on with his work and at 7 – 7.30 he goes down in the society’s garden and meets his friend and they sit talking. He always prefers the dining table for tea as he reads the newspaper with it as well. Now-a-days Mr. Krishnamurthy feels a severe pain in his ankle when he puts it on the floor while getting up from the bed. This pain is assumed to be due to some nervous disorder. It may be due to temperature difference. He walks around for the pain to go. Night driving is a problem for him. Otherwise there is no problem with vision. He is strictly against mobiles. His wife has a mobile but he does not like using a mobile as he believes that its not a necessity and the signals are wavering and a big problem. He does not use the computer much but his wife uses the computer for sometime. Mrs. Krishnamurthy suffers from arthritis. She has to ready herself to do things. For e.g.. If she has to sit on the chair she has to stand for sometime and ready herself to sit then she can sit. She has undergone a cataract operation. Emotional aspects: Mr. Krishnamurthy does not let age come in the middle of doing his activities. He does everything that he wishes to just as he used to in spite of certain physical barriers. His daughter and grandchildren are very supportive and help them out whenever needed. Mr. Krishnamurthy used to be a badminton champion and he enjoys playing cards. Mr. Krishnamurthy would prefer a chair that would fit all the contours of his body perfectly. He does not like the electric chairs and ones with excess cushioning. He believes that this cushioning is not airy. He likes cane chairs.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
The shelf at the entrance that has the shoe rack as well.
The coffee table is light and can be easily moved around.
They keep their shoes on the top rack to avoid bending and sit and wear the shoes.
IDEATION
The sofas are a proper height and of the right softness and hardness.
FINAL CONCEPT
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The refrigerator has wheels so that its easy to move around and clean below.
The dining table is used even to write and also for tea as Mr. Krishnamurthy likes reading the newspaper with his tea.
The drawers have wheels so that its easy to remove and clean.
The chair is comfortable but it does not match with the height of the computer.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
The kitchen racks are modular and easily reachable.
The drawers are sometimes a problem to bend. But otherwise there are no problems as they are sliding drawers.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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They do not use the bathtub as they find it more risky. But their grandchildren use it when they visit them.
The bed is comfortable. The bathroom has a shower and is converted for the washing machine to fit in. They hold around and walk slowly in the bathroom and avoid changing in the bathroom.
This chair is used by Mr. Krishnamurthy while watching TV and he finds it the most comfortable. Its just slightly heavy for him.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
This chair is not used much. It is kept in the guest bedroom. Similar chairs are used around the dining table.
The kitchen racks are modular and easily reachable.
This is a shelf in the hall. Reaching to the bottom shelf is a problem.
Mrs. Krishnamurthy enjoys gardening. While watering the plants Mr. Krishnamurthy fills the buckets of water and gets it to the balcony for her as she cannot do so due to her arthritis.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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User Survey Elderly Couples
Name : Mr. Prakash Kesav Halbe and Mrs. Priya Prakash Halbe. Age : Mr. Halbe: 69 and Mrs. Halbe: 59. Members in the house : 5 (Granddaughter 1, Son, Daughter-in-law) Income Group : Higher Middle class Daily routine : Mrs. Halbe goes for a walk around 7.30 and walks for 25 min. as no other exercise suits her health. She then goes to the garden and does yoga and meditation. After coming back home she has a bath, does pooja and then she has to prepare ‘amti’ or buttermilk, her daughter-in-law prepares the lunch. She also sometimes arranges the washed utensils. She does not do tedious work at all. In the afternoon, she sleeps as its her habit since long. She also watches TV after lunch as she cannot sleep immediately after lunch. In the evenings, depending on the rain and other work, she goes for a walk. Then she watches TV. Around 8.30 the entire family has dinner together. She then sleeps. She used to act in dramas and has given a lot of ‘Kirtans’. She has given a ‘Kirtan’ in a ladies Jail and got a very good response. Initially they were not very keen on it but then later they enjoyed it a lot. She enjoys singing and writing poems. She uses a foldable table for writing and writes while sitting on the bed and on the floor. She reads while sitting on the sofa as there is more light. In the kitchen she does not have to use the shelves on top. The drawers below are not a problem. She dries clothes using a stick and she also removes them and folds them. She foldS the clothes standing in the balcony as its nice and airy. She separates everyone’s clothes and folds them systematically. They avoid removing things from the storage above but in case of severe need Mrs. Halbe can climb up. In the bathroom, they fear slipping. Mr. Halbe sits on a stool and bathes, but he experiences pain while getting up and takes the support of the tap to get up. Both of them can sit easily on the floor but need support while getting up. Mr. Halbe gets up at 5.30 and then goes for a walk and then bathes. Then he does writing work for the Senior Citizen’s Organisation. He is a part of the executive body for this organisation. He prefers the table and chair for writing. He likes a harder chair and as he was a teacher he is used to hard chair. He has had an operation in his leg. Mr. Halbe would like to have a footrest along with the chair as support to the leg is a must so that the foot does not swell. SURVEY
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
The cupboards and mirror in the room.
They also find the beds very comfortable.
This chair has been gifted by Mr. Halbe to Mrs. Halbe as she is very fond of a swing. But a swing is not possible in the house so he got her a rocking chair. She loves this chair and sits on it only while watching TV. Its light enough to move around as well. It is big enough to fold your legs and sit.
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FINAL CONCEPT
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The hall has a sofa and a low seating as well. They enjoy having their morning tea here and have no problems sitting on it.
This chair also is comfortable. But this chair is always occupied by their cat.
They keep their shoes in the second compartment and take them out and sit on the sofa and wear them. Mr. Halbe at times needs help in removing the shoes from the shelf.
This is the shelf in the hall that has the shoe rack along with it.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
In the kitchen, she does not face any problems. The shelves on the top are sometimes a problem.
The dining table is in the kitchen and is comfortable Mr. Halbe uses it for writing as well.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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In the bathroom, slipping is a fear for Mr. Halbe. He uses a stool while bathing. While getting up from it he needs to hold onto the tap and take support.
This is the table inside the room that is used for writing by Mr. Halbe.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
The balcony in which Mrs. Halbe dries the clothes and folds the clothes on the ledge.
They have no problems climbing the flight of stairs as they are not too much. Staircase without rails is dangerous. There are cupboards along the flight of stairs that are used to store books.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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The angle of the table can be adjusted according to the requirement.
The table when one leg is folded can be used as a backrest.
The table when its folded.
Folding the table is not that difficult and it is light, hence, easy to carry.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
User Survey Elderly Couples
Name : Prof. Madhukar Anant Mahendale and Mrs. Kusum Madhukar Mahendale. Age : Prof. Mahendale: 94 and Mrs. Mahendale: 90. Members in the house : 5 (Grandson 1, Son, Daughter-in-law) Income Group : High class Daily routine : They sleep in the afternoon. Both of them go for a walk in the evening together. Prof. uses a stick while walking only outside not in the house. He has had a hip operation as he had fallen on it. He also has a hearing problem. Mrs. Mahendale tends to forget things. They can easily climb stairs. They had a house before which was on the 4th floor so stairs are not a problem for them. They find the sofas in their house comfortable. He does not like sitting on a soft cushion. He prefers wooden chairs or hard chairs. He cannot walk for long and hence he sits on stone benches but only for sometime. He reads a lot and reads on the sofa and never reads while sleeping. If he has to write he writes on the dining table. They keep their footwear in their room only near their bed. They sit and wear the footwear always. In the bathroom, they sit on the stool during a bath and wear the clothes inside only. She takes support in the bathroom. She also sits on the sofa and reads. They have a swing in the house and sit on it in late evenings. They also watch TV in the night. They prefer sofas that are slightly higher as that is more comfortable. They have added some base to the sofas and given it height for their comfort. Emotional Aspect: Their son told them not to live in their flat considering their age. Their son insisted on them staying with him. Thus, they now shifted. Their son and daughter-in-law are very supportive and helpful.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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The sofa in the living room is comfortable and they use it for reading and watching TV. They find sitting on the stool for long slightly painful. Mr. Mahendale does not use this table to write as it is very low.
This yellow sofa is not used by them too much because it is harder than the red sofa and slightly high.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
They keep their chappals near the bed only.
Their cupboard is small and has both their clothes.
The mirror is high so that one can stand and use it. The drawer is too low for access.
The shelf that has their daily needed items.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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This kind of chair is also comfortable for them. The dining table is used for writing as well. They find the chair comfortable. But while getting up they need to take support of the table as the chair has no arm rest.
They like sitting on the swing in the evenings.
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Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
User Survey
Single Grandmothers Name : Mrs. Manjula Padamsi Thakkar Age : 82 Members in the house : 6 (Grandson, his wife and daughter , Son and his wife) Income Group : Higher Middle class Daily routine : Around 6.30 she gets up and then goes for a walk. She sleeps in the afternoon. She also reads sometimes. She reads on the bed lying down or on the sofa. She prefers lower furniture as she is short and does not like her legs hanging around. She likes the dining table chairs and does not need armrest for support. Only if she is sitting on the floor she requires support to get up. But she finds it comfortable to sit on the floor. She has no problem while climbing stairs. She is scared in the bathroom if it is wet and has no problem changing in the bathroom. She likes sitting on the swing also. She also helps a lot in the kitchen. She cannot reach the drawers at a height and avoids climbing. Bending for the lower drawers is not a problem for her. She is very fit and has very few problems. She also goes for a walk in the evening to meet her friends at times. She has some problems while sleeping but tends to lie on the bed only so that it does not become a habit that she looses sleep. Emotional Aspect : Mrs. Thakkars family is very loving and supportive and she is as fit as a fiddle.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
43
This sofa is slightly low and hence very comfortable for her due to her height.
She likes sitting on the swing and has no problems with it.
The shoes are kept in the lowest rack. She wears the chappals standing only.
These sofas are comfortable as well.
SURVEY
44
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
The bed is very comfortable.
This is a drawer on the bed that is convenient.
The cupboard is low but she does not face any problem bending.
The dining table is also comfortable.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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User Survey
Single Grandmothers Name : Mrs. Visalam Swaminathan Age : 76 Members in the house : 4 (Grandson, Granddaughter and Daughter-in-law) Income Group : Higher Middle class Daily routine : She gets up in the morning and stays in the house only because one of her leg is smaller than the other. She watches TV or listens to radio or reads or talks on the phone. She lies down and reads or sits in the balcony and reads. She does not go out of the house at all. She prefers a seating with more height as she needs help while getting out of the low sofas. She cannot bend down at all. She finds it difficult to even wear footwear. Only if its very necessary she bends. She sits on a stool and bathes. She has no problem in changing in the clothes. She just feels that furniture should have height and should be firm. She need not have a back rest. Emotional Aspect: Her granddaughter is usually the one who helps her when needed. She jokingly calls her, ‘her helper’. But her entire family is supportive. Her daughter-inlaw is working and so is her grandson, so mostly its her granddaughter who helps her out whenever she is around.
SURVEY
46
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
The TV set and it also has the shoe stand in it.
She finds it difficult sitting on these sofas as their height is very low and she requires help while getting up. The dining table. She finds the chair comfortable.
She sleeps on the higher bed and not on the lower one.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
47
One compartment is her cupboard and some of her things are on the shelf as well. Most of her things are kept higher so that she doe not have to bend.
She uses the plastic stool in the bathroom and also uses the wooden one in the house. She prefers stools as they are higher than chairs.
SURVEY
48
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
User Survey
Single Grandmothers Name : Mrs. Vibhavary Anil Chitnis Age : 71 Members in the house : 2 ( Nephew and her Granddaughter is married) Income Group : Higher Middle class Daily routine : She gets up in the morning and makes tea and has a bath and gets ready and she does not go out for a walk. She just takes rounds in the compound. Then her maids come and she supervises. She goes around 11 to do bank work and get groceries. In the afternoon she reads and takes rest. In the evening she goes for a walk. She is an active member of social oraganisations and goes for movies, dramas and music concert. She sits on a bean bag and has no problems with it. She also sits on the sofa but needs a pillow now-a-days as her back aches. She picked up a bucket with one hand and she got a sudden sprain in her back. She has no problems with the dining table. She does not cook too much in the kitchen. She does not bend too low for the drawers. A maid comes to cook. She sits on the sofa only and eats while watching TV. She cannot sit down. She sits on a stool while bathing. She has a mobile but does not use a computer. Her nephew is studying and when he comes back they have dinner together on the dining table. She does not like low seating and prefers slight height. She keeps her regular chappals near the door and just wears the without sitting. The ones she does not use are on a rack. She climbs the staircase a lot of times as her house is on top. She also plays a lot of cards with her friends. They come to her place and play.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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49
This chair now is low for her but otherwise she likes it.
This folding chair is not painful as its height is appropriate.
This is the bed. She now experiences pain due to synthetic fiber mattresses.
This is the side table and the drawers that are slightly low for her.
SURVEY
50
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
She uses this stool while bathing.
She climbs the stairs regularly as her room is upstairs.
This is the computer chair.
This cupboard is near the staircase.
She keeps the footwear she uses regularly near the door only.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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She uses the dinning table only for dinner with her nephew.
The kitchen drawers above are difficult for her to reach.
She uses the stool for sitting as she prefers that height.
This is just like a side table in the kitchen that she sits on while the maid is working.
SURVEY
52
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
She is comfortable sitting on anything .
This is the shelf that has the TV and other things.
Surprisingly she is very fond of sitting on the bean bag and finds it comfortable
She needs a pillow as a support for her back on these sofas and also the height is low.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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User Survey
Single Grandfathers Name : Mr. Arvind Kapadia. Age : 78 Members in the house : 5 (his son and his wife, 2 granddaughters) Income Group : Higher Middle class Daily routine : He gets up at 6 o’clock and then reads the newspaper and has tea. He then sometimes goes for a walk or else watches news on TV. He has lunch at 12 and then he sleeps from 1 to 3. Then is his tea time. He goes for a walk in the evening at 6 and meets his friends and chats. They also visit the ‘Datta’ mandir sometimes. He also stays in Mumbai for a few months. There he stays alone. His routine there is the same. In the day he has this stool in the balcony that he sits on. He enjoys sitting there as he can see the whole street and people there. He has a very good friend circle in Mumbai and that group plans trips all over India. Mr. Arvind is the one who organizes these trips. He is extremely fit and has no problems. He is not at all fussy and very adjusting and so he believes that people do not have a problem with him being around. He has a mobile phone and is very keen on learning the computer. His granddaughters always help him with any technology related problem. He has a hearing problem and so uses headphones while watching TV so that no one else is disturbed. In Pune, this sofa is his place. He always sits there and reads and does his work. He prefers to read while sleeping though. He only has pain in his spine sometimes that is all. He has no problems with his leg and uses the Indian style toilet in Mumbai and in fact prefers it over the Western toilet. He believes that the bed should be very comfortable and he likes very soft bed sheets. But he does not like beds that are too soft. Emotional Aspect: He loves traveling and is very happy that in his family his opinion always counts. He has a very good friend circle in Pune as well as in Mumbai. SURVEY
54
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
His things are kept on the side table next to the diwan.
He avoids sitting on this low seating as it is very soft.
This is the dining table that he sits on if he has to write.
He sits on the diwan and reads and watches TV.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
55
His things are kept in a cupboard in one of the rooms and he always has clothes in Pune so he does not have to carry much.
He hangs his clothes in his granddaughters room.
His chappals are kept on the stairs near the door itself.
He uses headphones while watching TV so that no one else is disturbed and he has a hearing problem.
SURVEY
56
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
User Survey
Single Grandfathers Name : Mr. Madhav Tambe Age : 78 Members in the house : 1 (his daughter lives opposite) Income Group : Lower Middle class Daily routine : He gets up at 6 o’clock and makes coffee for himself. He then goes for a walk for about 45 min. He goes close by only. He comes back and makes ‘Poha’ for himself as that is the only thing he can cook. He reads the newspaper till 10.30 and then goes for a bath (cold water bath). Then he again goes out till his society’s gate and chit-chats with his friends there. He then comes back after half an hour and then does things in the house for another half an hour. At 12.30 his Tiffin comes. Then he watches TV and relaxes from 1 to 3. Then at 3 he has tea. He then watches a serial and then reads the remaining newspaper. He likes to read about sports. He was a champion in Badminton. In the evening he again goes for a walk and chats and visits the temple and takes darshan. Then he comes home by 7.30 and watches TV. At 10 his lights are out. He has had a heart attack and suffered from prostate cancer but now its cured. He also has been operated for cataract. He does not like to sit on the sofa or rocking chair or any other kind of furniture. He likes resting on the bed only. He reads on the bed, watches TV on the bed and does all his things on the bed. Only when people visit him is the hall used. The TV is also in his bedroom. He uses an English toilet and his bathroom tiles are slippery. He wishes to change the tiles and put anti-skid tiles. He faces no problem in the kitchen. He barely uses the dining table. His shoes are near the door only. He has a mobile phone. He does use a computer sometime but he does not like using it much. Emotional Aspect: He does not like to do or buy anything after his wife’s death. He lives a simple life and does not like anything and he keeps saying that after the departure of his wife he lost interest in buying anything. He says whom should I buy for. Very few people visit him and people who do are comfortable with what he has. He believes he has outlived his life and his desire is just to pass peacefully. Every time he goes to a doctor they blame any problem to old age. He really looks forward to his evening meetings and meeting his friends. When his daughter calls him for dinner outside he does not go always. But sometimes he goes with them to keep their heart. IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
57
The bed that he uses most of the time.
He does not face any problem with his cupboard.
The TV and his prayer place.
This is a rack that is to hang and keep clothes
SURVEY
58
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
His kitchen has racks and all that he need is ready on the platform. His fridge is mostly empty except for milk and other food items.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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59
He does not use the Indian toilet. He uses the English toilet and bathes while sitting on a stool.
This is the shelf in the hall and that is how he keeps his stick.
SURVEY
60
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
User Survey
Single Grandfathers Name : Mr. Vijay Limaye Age : 66 Members in the house : 1 Income Group : Middle class Daily routine : He gets up at 6 o’clock and does yoga and doe a lot of traveling. He carries his luggage everywhere. He does not have any physical problems and is as fit as a fiddle. He goes for a walk in the morning and is home only in the afternoon. He enjoys watching intellectual shows. In the bathroom they cannot lift bucket. There should always be a light in the room. The height of the bed should also be adjustable. If the bed has a reading arrangement it will be useful. Lifting the bed from both sides is also a very good feature that can be implemented. In the shoe stand the last rack should be reserved for the elderly so that they need not bend just slip into the chappals. Place for the sticks in the shoe rack is also needed. Rocking chairs are very comfortable. If the headphones for elderly with hearing problem imbibed in the chair itself. Emotional Aspect : He believes that age does not matter much. Depending on the physical problems one has they will have problems with the things around them.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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There are headphones attached to the TV. Minimal furniture.
This seating is also very comfortable.
This is hard to sit on but he has no problems sitting on it.
This shelf has wheels to move around.
SURVEY
62
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Synopsis of the Interviews Elderly Couples
Mala assa vaatata ki furniture je aahe na te saglya la, kay mhantat tyala, wheels, te ashnara jaasti changla. Mhanje aplyala oodhava lagat nahi. Ata samja apan cot var baslo ani khali padle tar cot kay oodhta yenar aahe ka, nahi. Mag tyapeksha tyala wheels aslel bare.
Atta hi khurchi aahe. Ti moving aahe, pudhe maaga. Tasa jar sagla furniture zhala tar uttam. Fakta sambhalun ani dharun basaycha. Amcha vay manat thevun sagla kaam saambhalun ani halu karava.
Atta kamod ha amhala avvashyak aahe. Ata tu mhanshil nasel tar kay karnar? Nasel tar ekhadya veles adjust karu. Pan tyavelela uthtana traas hoil.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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63
The electric chairs are according to me not at all comfortably designed because they have taken into consideration so many types of people and made a general average of the dimensions etc and other things and even made a lot of samples before designing but they might not be of my liking so.
I have come across very peculiarly comfortable chairs made out of cane real good cane and the cane bark. Cane is good only because you recline over it, it is airy. You know that little advantage, and cane is not cushioned everywhere only where ever needed and its airy and its firm and its not very hard because there is elasticity in a cane bar. They were very comfortable and long back I had bought it in Chennai. Ab yahan pe koi bana hi nahi raha. Order pe bhi nahi bana rahe paise dene par bhi nahi banate. Bilkul contour thi who chair. Even at the back there were contours so that there is no sort of gap in between your back and the back of a chair. But now that is being compensated by a cushion.
I would prefer a very nice chair. I had one almost like a contour that fit my body perfectly.
SURVEY
64
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Mane 2-4 varas pehla fracture thayu tu etle ene lidhe am khadda vali khurchi hoy che toh tema mane besva ma traas thay che. Am sapat hoy, lakdi hoy toh mane saaru lage. Pan aa fracture ne karan.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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65
Synopsis of the Interviews Single Grandmothers
Bau unchu hpy toh na game furniture, karan height oochi ne ane nichu hoy toh pag latakta na re. neche bethi hou tohj be hath no support joiye uthvama. Pan chair par na joiye.
SURVEY
66
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Chair I can sit but sofa is too low. From this bed I can get up easily. Chair has height that’s why I can sit. That is low that’s why I cannot sit. Low bed I cannot sit or sleep. High bed is not a problem. Getting up from the bed is a problem sometimes. Samyuktha comes and helps me. The stick keeps falling around all the time. But in the house sometimes I just hold the furniture and move around.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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67
Furniture soft pahije, aadhar pahije support pahije ekdum. Low furniture var ghudge jara dukhtat, ani kaay ahe na jinha aahe ani bedroom varti aahe. Kititari vela pherya hotat. Me khup khali vakaycha prayatna karat nahi. Purvichya lokanna ha traas bavhta karan te vakunach kaam karayche ani vakunach swayampak karayche.
Amhi jevhan purvi dogha hoto tevha aamhi ithe basaycho. Stool mala bara vatta. Hi khurchi low vatte jara. Evdhya level la mala chan vatta.
Beanbag var, asa sakali paper aala ki ithe ashi baste ani paper vachte. Ithe chan vatta asa mala. Mhanje ajun tari aasa supporting vaatta. Assa dukhat vagere nai mala. Paper vachat chaha ghet chan vaatata. Uthtana hi kahi traas nahi hot.
SURVEY
68
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Synopsis of the Interviews Single Grandfathers
IDEATION
Hu bauj adjusting chu etle je hone ee mane chaale. Pan han mane soft bed ane makhmal chadar hoy toh game. Bed bauj soft, ema ghussi jaiye, evu nai. Pan thodu soft. And I prefer our Indian toilet over English toilet. Etle English toilet hoy toh na fave evu nai pan I prefer Indian toilet.
FINAL CONCEPT
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Its my nature I normally don’t sit in a furniture I prefer to sleep, sleep means just lie down in the bed and read. I am not the right person to tell you what are my requirements for the furniture. Some people I have seen they sit on the table and chair and take their tea and sit and all. I am not that kind of a person. I prefer a bed, just lie down, fan, saamne mera TV hai. 6-7 hours on a bed only I prefer.
SURVEY
70
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Aisa hai ki age group se, there is nothing there, say after 50 or 45 you cannot say who will need what. Even like me I don’t need any special furniture for me. I use the normal furniture as I have no physical problems. If you have a physical problem then you need special furniture.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
71
SURVEY
72
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Market Survey
Chairs and Recliners
There are a million adjustable chairs depending on one’s need. These chairs have pneumatic controls. The only problem with these chairs is that the controls are in inaccessible areas. These areas are difficult to reach by the elderly as it requires bending. This has to be taken into account. There are electric recliners that are controlled by a remote and they can be raised also to get out of the chair. This will not work in the Indian scenario where power cuts are a part of daily life. Some of these chairs have a lot of cushioning which makes it difficult for the elderly to get out of the chair. These chairs also have a lot of different materials being used that allow ventilation and do not make people sweat.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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73
SURVEY
74
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Market Survey
Products for the Bathroom
This area of design has been worked on exhaustively, with anti-slip tiles, to emergency alarms, to shower chairs and handle bars in the bathroom. Name it and there is a product in the market for the elderly’s safety in the bathroom. The designs of theses products ease the troubles and the chance of accidents for the elderly. The shower chairs help the elderly to sit and bathe without the fear of falling. The elderly claim that they fear entering the bathroom of all the rooms in the house. They try and avoid it as much as they can. The products have been designed keeping in mind these fears and the problems. The shower chairs and the attachments on the English toilets are used by the elderly on a large scale. The Indian toilets also have a toilet chair that make siting on the toilet at a higher level possible.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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SURVEY
76
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Market Survey Bedroom
There are beds that are controlled using electricity which give you the amount of elevation required and help the elderly get out of bed with ease. This is not fit for the Indian scenario where power cuts are a part of daily life and where a large number of rural population have to do without electricity. There are beds that have supports to get into and out of the bed. The horizontal ladder is a very good design for the elderly to get in and out of bed. An adjustable bed would be ideal for the elderly but its operation for adjustment have to be made simple. An elderly has a corner of the room to himself. For a lot of people this corner is their bed. Hence, it has to be made very comfortable.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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SURVEY
78
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Market Survey Staircases
Staircases are also another part of the house that the elderly avoid the most. They avoid them as it causes fatigue climbing them. They also avoid them due to the fear of slipping and falling. Some of the elderly make it a point to climb the stairs at least once in the day for exercise. There is a mini lift that has been designed as an attachment to the stairs so that the elderly need not climb the stairs but still can be transported to the top of the stairs.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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79
SURVEY
80
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Market Survey Street Furniture
The objective of the street furniture designed specially for the elderly was to overcome problems with seating that is too low, uncomfortable or difficult to manage by elderly people when using walking sticks or other aids. The elderly in India make it a habit to go for walks in the morning or in the evening or both. Thus, street furniture is a must to suit their needs. They should also be placed such that they can be used by the elderly to the fullest. This is the time when the elderly socialise with each other and discuss the happenings of the world. Its a lively and serene atmosphere and comfort of the seating is a must for them to have a relaxed outing. These benches have been specially designed to make sure this experience has been enjoyed by the elderly to the fullest.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Survey Insights • The main thing that the users insisted on was a chair with more height such that their knees do not bend. The short people emphasised that even if their legs dangled in the air it was alright but the height should be more than the normal chairs. • A height adjustable chair would be beneficial provided they do not have to bend to reach and operate the controls. • The cushion on the seating should not be too soft because getting out of it will require a lot of effort. The seating should not be too hard as well as they cannot sit in it for too long. The softness of the cushion should be appropriate and in appropriate places. • The furniture should be light so that they can easily move it around or it should have wheels. • The armrest should be wide and visually stable so that they can give their full support on it while getting out of the seating. • The contours of the seating should fit the body perfectly for comfort. • Sliding doors are preferred instead of knobs on doors. • Staircase should have support that can be held with a comfortable grip. • Swings should be sturdy and are a good option for leisure time. • Shoe stands need a lot of changes as they are very low and require bending to remove and wear footwear. This is considered a difficult task for the elderly. • Shoe stand needs more visibility for lower racks. It could have support to hold onto and slip into the shoes or have a foldable chair to sit on. • Shoe rack is incorporated in the shelf itself. • Shoe stands could have aid for wearing socks as well. • When lights suddenly go, visibility is low and so moving is difficult. This time is considered extremely dangerous for the elderly and they should be very cautious. • Sofas and chairs should have a footrest. This will give support to the leg and avoid swelling. • Minimal furniture is observed when elderly live alone.
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Analysis Analysis of Interviews | Analysis of Insights | Principle Insights | Family of Furniture
ANALYSIS
Analysis of the Interviews
The survey can be analysed in the following tabular form. The table has been made depicting the general routine of one day in the life of the elderly. This has been done by studying the daily routines of the elderly. The table also includes the various activities of the day, the furniture that the elderly interacts with during these activities, their emotional needs and supports, the problems that the elderly face and also the benchmarks that are there in the industry to solve these problems. This chart helps us analyse the basic needs of the elderly and the furniture that they use on day to day basis. This also helps us analyse the moods and states in which the elderly interact with the furniture. The elderly might feel neglected in this phase of life and they look for comfort in small small things in life like furniture. Some of them also spend on leisure in life as they have done all the hard work in life and look at this period as their relaxing time. The charts below have, thus, been devised for further analysis.
SURVEY
84
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
85
SURVEY
86
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
87
Analysis of the Insights
Furniture should have more height.
Furniture should not be too soft or too hard. Just right. Furniture should be light or should have wheels.
Armrest should be wide and sturdy for support .while getting up. . The contours of the chair should be perfectly fitted.
Sliding doors are preferred instead of knobs.
Staircases should have support that can be held comfortably.
SURVEY
88
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Swings (if in the house) should be sturdy.
Shoe stands are too low to bend for. Shoe stand needs more visibility for lower racks. It could have support to hold onto and slip into the shoes or have a foldable chair to sit on. Shoe rack is incorporated in the shelf itself. Shoe stands could have aid for wearing socks as well. When lights suddenly go, visibility is low and so moving is difficult. Sofas and chairs should have a footrest.
Minimal furniture is observed when elderly live alone.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Principle Insights Posture
SUPPORT | COMFORT | HEIGHT | STABILITY
SURVEY
90
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Principle Insights Texture & Feel
SOFTNESS | HARDNESS | WEIGHT
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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91
Principle Insights Within Reach
EASY ACCESSIBILITY | AVOID BENDING
SURVEY
92
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Principle Insights Easy Visibility
IN THE DARK | WHEN LIGHTS GO OFF | IN RACKS AND STORAGES
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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93
Family of Furniture Rocking Dining Bed
Bedside Table
Chair Sofa
Bedside Storage Kitchen Shelf
Cupboard
Furniture
TV Set Shelf
Bookshelf
Stair case Bathroom shelf
Writing
Swing
Basin
SURVEY
94
Computer
Table
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
Stool
Shoe Stand Stick Holder
Coffee Dining
ANALYSIS
Family of Furniture
Storage Book Shelf TV Shelf
Seating can be combined
Cupboard Shoe Stand
Bedside Table
IDEATION
can be combined
Bed Chair
can be combined
Stick Holder Bedside Storage
Sofa
can be combined
Stool Table
bedside table with drawers
FINAL CONCEPT
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95
Design Directions & Conceptualisation Initial Concepts | Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture Application of Insights on a Chair | Concepts for Chair
IDEATION
Design Directions & Conceptualisation
The conceptualisation started with finding a space in the market that had not been looked into. Later, though, it turned into conceptualising on a set of furniture that is necessary for the elderly. A common mechanism was tried to be used in the set of furniture to make it look like a family. Then I was asked to concentrate on one piece of furniture, i.e. chair, and apply all the insights from the interviews in making the chair. Hence, from a set of furniture items to a chair the insights remained the same, but the mechanism was completely different and this mechanism took a long time to be devised and required a lot of prototypes to be made and for it to be tested. Finally, the chair was made and it worked. Hence, the design direction kept on changing but the design insights remained the same.
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Initial Concepts
increase shelf width to increase visibility handles for support while wearing chappals
slot for the walking stick higher shelves so the user does not have to bend
ceiling mounted shoe storage whose height can be adjusted by pulling the strings, pulley mechanism is used
increasing shelf width to improve visibility
shelves are at a slight angle so that the shoes stay properly in it
SURVEY
98
Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD | 2012
ANALYSIS
Initial Concepts
I started with finding a space in the market that had not been touched by designers and I realised that shoe stands had not at all been looked upon and modified according to the needs of the elderly. Hence, I took up to sketching concepts for shoe storages. The main problem that the elderly faced was that the shoe racks are very low and require bending. Also the visibility is very less as the shoes are stacked one on top of the other. The elderly need to bend to look for their footwear. Hence, concepts were devised keeping these points in mind. However, later this chain of thought was discarded as they wanted more substantial furniture item/s.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Initial Concepts
The sofa could have a hidden storage
the chair has a table that can be opened up and used when needed or folded when not in use.
SURVEY
100
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ANALYSIS
Initial Concepts
The storage can be used as a shoe rack and the elderly can remove and wear their shoes while sitting itself causing least trouble to them
the armrest can be pulled out to open the storage
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Initial Concepts
the angle of the table can be adjusted according to whether one needs to write on it or read or eat
the level and angle of the chair can be adjusted by just flipping the required level this is inspired from a book.
SURVEY
102
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ANALYSIS
Initial Concepts
the leg can be folded out when one needs to raise the height of the furniture and can be put away wen not in needed
a system of raisers that can be screwed into one another and onto the furniture to raise the height of the furniture item.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Initial Concepts
the cupboard can be at a height and can open from the bottom to avoid bending for the elderly and gas lifts can raise the cupboard upwards to shut it
the seat can be slid into and fixed on the required height by the elderly and the plank can also for a side table as well it is a system that can be used to make different furniture items
SURVEY
104
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ANALYSIS
Initial Concepts
these are forms of chairs with wide armrests that look sturdy
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Initial Concepts This concept is inspired by the idea that an elderly wants a corner of the room to himself. Hence, this continuous slab that has a bed, TV shelf, book shelf, chair, table and shoe rack combined can be installed at the required height and becomes a private place.
SURVEY
106
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ANALYSIS
Initial Concepts This is the form of the book shelf that is slightly tilted so that the books rest on the side. This is a part of the continuous strip.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture This concept is called Flip as the level can be flipped and one can raise the level of the chair, bed or table.
pull out to provide space for rotation
table rotates to raise the level
SURVEY
108
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ANALYSIS
Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture
After sketching concepts that applied to any furniture I got the conceptualisation more structured and started sketching concepts that could be applied to various items of furniture like seating, table and a storage that would be beneficial to the elderly. These concepts could run along the furniture items making them a part of one family. All the concepts were means of adjusting the height or increasing visibility or posture related or all of them together. These concepts were short listed and further short listed till two design directions were finalised - realistic and futuristic.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture This concept is such that a bed can be turned into seating and the seating into a bed by just pulling it out so that there is a space for resting.
SURVEY
110
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ANALYSIS
hinged and the bed can be lifted to sit on
chair can be converted to bed
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture Futuristic Approach This concept was taken as the Futuristic approach and even though self inflating mattresses exist it was futuristic as for the elderly it is something that they are not used to. Pulling a knob is all that they elderly has to do and the mattress self inflates to raise the level be it a chair or bed.
thermal mattress self-inflating mattress made of polyurethane
self-inflating mattress
SURVEY
112
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ANALYSIS
Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture Realistic Approach two rods to raise the coffee table to eat giving it stability
This concept was taken as the Realistic approach. The table, chair, bed can be raised by a lifting mechanism that can be made self lifting by attaching springs. This mechanism needs a locking and the raising takes place when the lock is opened.
the mechanism is hidden so that one does not get hurt
scissor hinge that moves on rails
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture Realistic Approach
coffee table that has four sides raising the levels lift to open a storage unit below
the levels raise at different heights according to the need
SURVEY
114
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ANALYSIS
Concepts of Mechanisms for Family of Furniture Realistic Approach
different forms of tables
the table can be lifted using the edge
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Application of Insights on a Chair
cushioning
adjustable height
footrest
sturdy CHAIR
adjustable backrest comfortable
SURVEY
116
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wheels/portable storage
ANALYSIS
Application of Insights on a Chair
After finalising the mechanism the direction was focused more onto a particular furniture item, a chair. I started with applying the principle insights to the chair and started sketching concepts using the same direction in the mechanisms but applying it just to the chair. Concentrating more on the chair than any other furniture item. The other furniture items took a step back as time was a major constraint and it was decided to get at least one furniture item perfectly and then look into the other items.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Concepts for Chair can be adjusted at 4 different angles
pull the knob to lock/unlock the footrest
springs up smoothly when the lock is opened
gas lift/spring spring loaded
the footrest can be put in 4 different positions according to the requirement
SURVEY
118
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ANALYSIS
Concepts for Chair
After finalising the mechanism the direction was focused more onto a particular furniture item, a chair. I started with applying the principle insights to the chair and started sketching concepts using the same direction in the mechanisms but applying it just to the chair. Concentrating more on the chair than any other furniture item. The other furniture items took a step back as time was a major constraint and it was decided to get at least one furniture item perfectly and then look into the other items. This concept is to provide an attached footrest that can be put away when not in use. It is raised by using a gas lift that is released when a lock is opened. The seat can also be raised to raise the height of the chair by using lifts. This concept was discarded as the mechanism was too complicated and the chair lost its simplicity due to it and seemed very mechanical. But some of these features were taken forward but in a different manner.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Chair Mock-Up Modelling and Insights | Final Concept
FINAL CONCEPT
Mock-Up Modelling and Insights
Based on the concepts above a mock-up was made using plywood to see the dimensions and try out the concept. A chair has to be made on a full scale, a scaled down model never helps. So the plywood mock-up was tested for dimensions and the mechanism. The height was appropriate but the footrest did not work out as the knees were folding and it was not at all comfortable. Hence, the gas spring footrest was discarded and other concepts were tried out. The backrest moving mechanism was tried using rails and different different mechanisms. After a lot of mechanisms finally one was decided upon and it required just lifting the handle that opened the lock for it to slide. Hence, this mock-up helped understanding the dimensions of a chair and also helped me work out the actual mechanism and it helped us realise what all was possible and our limitations.
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Mock-Up Modelling and Insights This chair is made of plywood and is a full scale mock-up. The mechanism photos are on the next page. This mechanism has further been described using a 3-D model. The armrest can be adjusted to adjust the angle of the backrest according to the need.
SURVEY
122
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ANALYSIS
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Sketches and Ideation Frame These were options for frame structures.
SURVEY
124
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ANALYSIS
Sketches and Ideation Frame The frame structure and material was to be decided and these were the options for it. The wooden frame along with MS plate was chosen due to its aesthetic value. wooden frame
IDEATION
wooden frame along with a MS pipe structure
wooden frame along with MS plate
FINAL CONCEPT
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Form The overall form of the chair was thought about but the detailing and further modifications were done to make all the parts look like they belong together. These were the sketches for the form.
SURVEY
126
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ANALYSIS
Form
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Features and Detailing Frame Bolts make sure the plates are fixed and also add aesthetic value
Exploded view of how the Mild steel plate is inserted in the wooden frame.
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Features and Detailing Adjustable Backrest This angle is comfortable while eating and writing. This angle helps relax while watching TV.
This angle helps is a complete relaxing posture and one can sleep off as well.
The backrest can be adjusted by using the armrest. All the elderly has to do is raise a lever using his fingers.
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Features and Detailing Armrest Mechanism
The knob locks the backrest in place and moves only when lifted.
When the knob is pulled up it is freed from the stopper stopping it and hence moves behind and gets locked at the next stopper.
The knob stops at the next stopper and thus the angle of the backrest changes.
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Features and Detailing Footrest The footrest is pushed back when not in use. To remove it one has to step on the pedals and then the footrest rotates into position.
The footrest is for the elderly who are short so as to rest their feet and not keep them dangling. The footrest also provides comfort.
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Features and Detailing Increased Height The height of the chair is increased by 2 inches to avoid the bending of the knees and hence reduces the pain in the knee joint for the elderly.
19�
132
18�
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Features and Detailing Wide Armrests The armrest is wider than the normal chairs to provide support while getting into and out of the chair.
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Material and Production Processes Material Details
Backrest made of bent wood. The wooden frame is made by laser cutting and sticking layers of plywood together. The pipe is attached to the armrest. Armrest is made of bent wood. The seat is also bent wood. Cushion is fixed to provide comfort and his covered with fake leather. The MS plate is laser cut in the required shape.
The MS plate and the supports are welded together.
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The pedal is made of plastic and is pivoted on the pipe. The footrest is also made of bent wood that is pivoted around the pipe.
Material and Production Processes Detailing of the Armrest This vacuum formed plastic component provides support to the armrest and makes sure it runs along the rail.
The bent wood component is clean as every component is screwed onto it from the bottom. The pipe is screwed onto the plastic component.
The stoppers are dowels that have been fixed in the wooden frame itself.
This is a vacuum formed plastic component that has the rail fixed onto it using screws along which the armrest runs is screwed onto the bent wood component. The groove is to allow the stoppers on the frame to project out. The handle is a vacuum formed plastic component that has the spring attached to it which is attached to the armrest which provides the flexibility to move the handle up to free it from the stopper.
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Material and Production Processes Detailing of the Backrest The backrest is hinged to the seat from the bottom and hence is completely clean from the top and provides the pivoting required to adjust the angle.
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Material and Production Processes Detailing of the Footrest The footrest and the pedal are pivoted on the pipe using clamps that help both to rotate around the pipe that is fixed in the wooden frame.
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CAD Model Front View
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Side View
CAD Model
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Prototyping The parts of the prototype were made at different factories and then assembled in the Elephant workshop. It involved a lot of people and labourers and coordination between them.
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Prototyping
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Prototyping The back can be adjusted in these three different angles.
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Validation
FINAL CONCEPT
Validation
SURVEY
144
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ANALYSIS
Validation Positive Points • • • • • • • • •
The height is extremely comfortable and the knees do not bend. For those who are short the footrest gives support to the leg and hence their feet do not remain dangling. The adjustment of the chair is very beneficial so that they can relax whenever they want. The armrests are wide and give good support. The chair is sturdy to sit on and the elderly do not feel scared and there is no chance of toppling. The cushion is sufficient so that they can easily get in and out of the chair. The elderly can also stand on the footrest to get off the chair. The elderly find the handle comfortable to use provided the material is changed. The armrest height is appropriate.
Negative Points • • • • • •
The mechanism was not very sturdy as it was made of plastic. The elderly found it slightly difficult to operate due to the material that was used to make it. It needs more refining. The footrest needs a pedal to remove it from behind as it is difficult to reach with the feet. The footrest should be more in the front or the seat should be behind. The backrest should be made sturdy to rest on using the mechanism. The backrest could also have a headrest that can be detachable. This would add to the comfort in the relaxing angle of the chair.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Market Potential
FINAL CONCEPT
Production Cost The production cost of the chair is according to the manufacturing of one chair only. If this chair is mass manufactured the cost of the chair will reduce by at least 25-30%. The break up of the costing is as follows.
Operation
MS Laser Cutting
Costing
Rs. 5000 + Rs. 625 = Rs. 5625/-
Details
MS material + laser Welding of the MS cutting frame + Finishing + Bending of Pipe + Pipe + Bending of Plate
Welding and Bending of Cold Press MS plate and Pipe
Rs. 1240/-
Cushion
Rs. 13500 (approx.) + Rs. 1687 = Rs. 15187/-
Rs. 600/-
Plastic parts + Screws + Hinge + Rail + Spring + Legs + Paint + Rubber + Other Furniture Fittings Rs 3000/-
Ply bending (Backrest, Cushion with cover Seat, Footrest, Armrest) and plywood + Wooden Frame + Veneer and Plywood material + Finishing
Total Production Cost of One Chair : Rs. 25,652/-
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Market Potential
Worldwide Trend of Population of 60 Years and Above : 1980-2020 1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
World
381.2
484.7
608.7
754.2
1011.6
Developed
173.3
203.6
234.6
232.4
308.2
Developing
207.9
281.8
374.1
491.8
703.4
Africa
23.4
30.9
41.8
57
82
Latin America
23.4
31.7
41.9
56.4
80.7
Asia (excl. Japan)
160
218.2
290
377.7
539.9
China
78.6
101.2
131.7
167.9
238.9
India
44.6
60.2
81.4
107
149.7
United Nations,World Demographic Estimate and Projections
SURVEY
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Elderly Population-Facts! • Aging of population is an end product of demographic transition. • The number of elderly people in developing countries is almost 3-4 times of that of developed countries. • The developed countries have already experienced the consequences of this transition. • World population of 6.1 billion at the dawn of 21st century is likely to become 9.3 billion in 2050 (UN 2004). • Global aged population from 595 million to 2 billion – a four fold rise-by 2050! • In terms of proportion -10% in 2000, 15% by 2025, rising to 21.6% by 2050.
ANALYSIS
Market Potential
Proportion of Aged 60 and Over Population (in Per cent)
Elderly in India -Facts! • 24 million in 1961 increased to 77 million in 2001
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
World
8.6
9.2
9.9
10.8
12.9
Developed
15.2
16.8
18.4
19.7
22.4
Developing
6.3
7
7.7
8.7
10.9
Africa
4.9
4.8
4.8
4.9
5.6
Latin America
6.5
7
7.7
8.8
11
Asia (excl. Japan)
6.5
7.4
8.5
9.8
12.8
• 2nd largest elderly (60+) population in the world (2001)
China
7.4
9
10.5
12.4
16.6
• 80% are in rural areas
India
6.5
7.3
8.4
9.9
12.6
• 40% are below poverty line
United Nations,World Demographic Estimate and Projections
• Projected to rise to 179 million in 2031 and 301 million in 2051. • 70 and above projected to increase from 29 million in 2001 to 132 million in 2051. • 80+ would be fastest to grow – 8 million in 2001 to 32 million in 2051.
• over 73 per cent are illiterate. • about 90 % of the old people have no official social security (i.e., without PF, Gratuity and Pension etc).
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Market Potential
Distribution of Chronic Diseases in Aged (n=1000) Rural
India Chronic Disease
Elderly Population-Facts! • 73 % of deaths in the elderly are related to heart diseases, smoking and cancers.
Urban
M
F
M
F
Cough
250
1958
179
142
Piles
33
16
32
18
Joint Problems
363
404
285
393
High/low BP
108
105
200
251
Heart Disease
34
27
68
53
Urinary Problem
38
23
49
24
Diabetes
36
28
85
66
2
3
2
4
527
514
528
560
Cancer Any of the above
National Sample Survey 52nd Round Survey, 1995-96
SURVEY
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• 20% of doctor’s visits, 30 % of hospital days and 50% of bedridden days are ascribed to elderly patients. • ‘Expansion of morbidity’ even though increased life expectancy due to chronic noncommunicable diseases. • Family structure is changing to nuclear/small unit families. • Without the safe, secure and dignified status in the family, the elderly are finding themselves vulnerable. • Welfare of the elderly has been a low priority with the state.
ANALYSIS
Conclusion
Very soon India will have a large population of 60 years and above. The market for these users is ever increasing. They also require products and facilities that will help them overcome their weaknesses. The elderly require designers to design products keeping in mind the elderly. If a product is designed for the elderly it can be used by everyone. . ‘Design for the young and you exclude the old. Design for the old and you include the young’, said Professor Bernard Isaacs, of The Centre for Applied Gerontology, Birmingham. Older people say that the most important thing in life is physical independence for as long as possible. In order for the body to remain healthy it has to ‘work’. The design of products should encourage the body to work in a healthy way but not, of course, to an extent where stress is caused. As this market is ever increasing in India and a lot of foreign products do not fit the Indian scenario, products made for this sector will have a large scope.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
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Elevator Pitch
FINAL CONCEPT
Elevator Pitch
This Chair, a seating solution, is for the elderly 65 yrs and above who are suffering from arthritis and rheumatism. WHO reports, that there are about 96 million elderly who are suffering from this disease and the number is expected to grow to 133 million in a decade, that’s almost a 40 % increase. This chronic disorder primarily attacks synovial joints thereby affecting our body’s functioning and mobility. The solutions existing in the market today, like the AERON CHAIR, are proving to be ineffective, mainly because its adjustment controls are inaccessible to an already impaired elderly. Moreover, the electric recliners available are inept to the Indian conditions where power cuts are a part of our daily life. After carefully studying the needs of the elderly, this chair was conceptualized to help them partially overcome the basic day-to-day hurdles encountered while performing various kinds of activities. It has a wide armrest and an attached footrest to provide for physiological stability and support, additional height to prevent excess bending of the knee joint, and, a backrest whose angle can be calibrated using the armrest to help them comfortably sit, relax or lounge.
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Experience
FINAL CONCEPT
Experience
The 6 months in Elephant have been filled with memories, memories that will last a lifetime. The experience of working in a big design firm was something that I always wanted to have and it was definitely a great one. I learnt a lot of how one should be in the professional world. The project had its ups and downs. The process was similar to what we follow in college and so I found it extremely comfortable. As I got the prototype made I had to coordinate with a lot of factories and also handle the accounts. I learnt a lot about management and patience. This internship helped me grow as an individual. Interactions with my colleagues also made me look at my work from a different perspective. The fun times spent with friends and colleagues is something I will never forget. The people of Elephant welcomed me into their lives with a smile and I know that I did leave a mark in their lives as well and that this friendship is for keeps.
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Bibliography
FINAL CONCEPT
Bibliography
Elderly care in India-Changing Perspectives, Dr. K.L.Sharma, Indian Gerontological Association, India. http://www.nrs-uk.co.uk/Products/2816/dovedale-fixed-height-commode.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_chairs http://www.trucdesign.com/index.php/?Furnitures http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/bending_wood_the_wright_way http://www.hettich.com http://www.google.com
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Thank You Mileha Soneji | Product Design | GDPD |2012