Elderly Challenge Reflection

1) What have you learnt?


I learnt many of the design and thinking process tools such as SCAMPER and shape borrowing, and learnt new things such as ergonomics and anthropometry. I also learned to apply the design skills in making the prototype. More importantly, I learned how to manage my time. The schedule was tight, and I had to fit in ADMT tasks while balancing out my revision timetable.

2) What are the difficulties encountered?


I encountered difficulties in managing my time and making the prototype. When making the prototype, there were some properties of the product I could not fit in, and there was no alternative. Also when fitting in the making of the prototype in my time, I spent too much time on unnecessary things, such as the details before the main component of my product.
3) How did you overcome the difficulties?


I did my best to leave some portion of time to ADMT, and in the end managed to sqeeze in whatever I could. The product also turned out fine, though it was lacking in the maneuverability. 


Commitment - Time and effort had to be put in for this project.
Creativity - Using all the materials available to me, and fixing it to allow the product's unique features to stand out.

Reflection - Prototype

What are the difficulties that you have encountered during the process?
I did not encounter any difficulties as the discussion was successful and my group was active during the discussion.

How do you overcome the difficulties encountered?
-

What are the 2 key takeaways for this lesson?
A prototype is supposed to be a working model and the methods of testing out design considerations.

Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

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

It's function is to clean the wok after cooking. The handle is a baby blue shade, and it has steel wool at the top of the handle.

ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?

The handle is present as an improvement from just the steel wool as it can prevent the user from getting burnt. There is also a good grip on the handle for comfort.

iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?

No, they would not. (At least none that i can think of right now.) Though there could be improvements to the grip to increase friction to prevent it from dropping into the wok when cleaning as the elderly have weak grips as the muscles in their hands have deteriorated. The steel wool could also be modified to have non-stick material on it so that it will not get stuck on the wok when the elderly is cleaning it.

iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post.)

Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?

Outside of the discipline itself, the term 'ergonomics' is generally used to refer to physical ergonomics as it relates to the workplace (as in for example ergonomic chairs and keyboards). Ergonomics in the workplace has to do largely with the safety of employees, both long and short-term.

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?

There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and aesthetics. Based on these aspects of ergonomics, examples are given of how products or systems could benefit from redesign based on ergonomic principles.

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

Safety - Medicine bottles: The print on them could be larger since the elderly are more prone to falling ill and therefore might have impaired vision, and the large print will make it more easy for the elderly to see the dosages and label. Ergonomics could design the print style, color and size for optimal viewing.


Comfort - Alarm clock display: Some displays are harshly bright, which result in one's irises to contract sharply at short notice when drawn to the light when surroundings are dark. Ergonomic principles could redesign this based on contrast principles.


Productivity - TV: The sound on HD TV is much lower than regular TV. So when you switch from HD to regular, the volume increases dramatically. This drastic change in the volume may harm even further the hearing of the elderly.


Aesthetics - Signs in the workplace: Signage should be made consistent throughout the workplace to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also so that information is easily accessible.



Ease of use - Street Signs: In a strange area, many times it is difficult to spot street signs. This could be addressed with the principles of visual detection in ergonomics.



Sources: Alarm clock display: http://www.instructables.com/image/FHZ42LMFRBPY2IZ/This-alarm-clock-was-simply-too-bright.jpg
HD TV: http://www.erati.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/dell_lcd_hdtv.jpg
Signs in workplace: http://www.australiasigns.com.au/gal/safetygal/thumbs/lrg-175-rbw-md-rotating-blades.jpg
Street Sign: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3216107741_bcb9dd6594_m.jpg

Ergonomics I

QUESTION 1

WHITE-1
BLACK-2
1. Comfort and Simplicity
THE LIBERTY CHAIR

WHITE - Height of chair is hard to adjust accordingly, difficult to accommodate movements of user
BLACK - Height of chair is easily adjustable to fit to the user's needs, leans back with user

2. Incorrect Height and Depth
THE M7 MONITOR ARM

WHITE - Computer screen position easily adjustable to fit user's eye level
BLACK - Computer screen fixed to table

3. Task Lighting
THE DIFFERENT LIGHT

WHITE - Height and brightness of lamp unable to adjust to user's needs
BLACK - Height and Brightness of lamp is easily adjustable to accommodate user's needs

4. Freedom of Movement
THE FREEDOM CHAIR

WHITE - Arm, head and back rests unadjustable and does not support back of user
BLACK - Arm, head and back rests moves to fit user's body movement

5. Prolonged Laptop Use
THE L2 LAPTOP HOLDER

WHITE - No laptop holder present, uncomfortable position after prolonged use
BLACK - Laptop holder height adjustable, allows user to multi-task.

6. Usable Desk Space
THE ACCESS RAIL

WHITE - Cluttered desktop, no space for work
BLACK - Railing contain protruding spaces to allow for organising of items on desk, computer monitor under the desk in compartment

QUESTION 2

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

Calvin: Workplace 2. A organized table, the computer place is at the eye level. The ergonomic chair has a head rest and a arm rest. This is a comfortable working place.
Cheng Ngee:Workplace 2: The laptop holder is height-adjustable and it allows the user to multi-task using the access rail.
Guang Jun: Workplace 2. The different light can be adjusted to light up only the area you are working on.
Jonathan: Workplace 2. I prefer this workplace as it is very tidy. The workplace has the laptop holder which allows the user to use the laptop at the eyelevel.
Harsh: Workplace 2. The chair is highly adjustable and it suits the user needs. It is also easier to adjust the height and the arm rest seems good.

QUESTION 3

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

A: Comfort
B: Lighting
C: Organisation
D: Average Height
E: Availability of space
F : Efficient working system
G: Maneuverability
H: Colour patterns

QUESTION 4

Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

-------> Ergonomics effects the users comfort
-------->When designing products ergonomics will also help the designer to find out the peoples needs and the reason for using the product.
Ergonomics are generally improved products which suits the persons needs easier.
--------> Ergonomics will effect the products usability and its ability to manage space.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 4

All year, the elderly have the most health problems occurring compared to children and adults. Having observed that in my grandmother, I suggest yearly health check-ups be conducted for the elderly since they are more prone to getting ill.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 3

Around Singapore, the elderly often have problems getting around as the directions given on the signposts and boards, etc. Mostly it is because they are not able to understand or read english. Therefore i suggest that the signs be present in also Chinese and other mother tongue languages to make it easier for the upper generation to get around in Singapore.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 2

Dementia, often more commonly known as Alzheimer's Disease, is a very common among the elderly. It is incurable, but can be treated to some degree for it to slow down. There are some very simple ways to keep the mind of the elderly active and to as much as possible prevent dementia.

By just playing cards, reading and playing a musical instrument, dementia can be prevented. Physical activity to keep fit also helps prevent dementia. Though simple, these activities, especially the physical ones might be hard to convince the elderly to carry out. Support from family members and friends in the community is needed to allow the elderly to enjoy a healthy lifestyle free from dementia.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 1

Most of the elderly have vision problems, thats why to lower the chances of them tripping over usually unnoticeable things such as banana peels and small objects on the floor at home and in public, the objects should be a bright colour that stands out and is obvious.

Here is a photo of a 'object' that the elderly may not notice and have a high chance of falling due to tripping over it.

PHOTO NOT TAKEN YET

Holiday Work 1 - Understanding the Elderly Challenge

Explain in your own words, the FOUR key recommendations of the report.

To encourage the elderly to live with the family, Singapore will have different types of housing in order to meet the senior’s needs. There will also be good support care services.

Singapore encourages the elderly to interact with the wider community and therefore, once out of their homes, the elderly will find it easy and convenient to move about without worrying about transportation hassles. Examples are lifts, walkways, and ramps for the wheelchair bound.

Healthcare services for the elderly will be affordable to ensure that they live comfortably. These services will be efficient and easily accessible to ensure that the quality and dignity of life is maintained.

The elderly will communicate well between the generations in the family. By ensuring that the elderly enjoy their life by maintaing good relations with relatives and friends in the community, Singaporeans will have positive attitudes when facing the elderly.

State ONE way that the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more elderly-friendly

The Government should look at the varying length of land leases to lower land costs in order to cater to the elderly who desire lifestyles in housing by the private sector.

State TWO ways on how we can ensure that the quality of elderly care here in Singapore is affordable

The Government should top-up the Medisave accounts of the less-well off senior citizens in order to ensure they have the means to afford healthcare services when they need it.

The Government should adopt a family physician centered approach towards the management of the healthcare needs of the elderly as a family physician would know what the elderly would require given the close proximity between the physician and the elderly. This will ensure that the elderly will receive the most appropriate level of healthcare services within the community.

After reading the CAI report, what do you are the THREE things that you can do, as an SST student, to help overcome these elderly challenges

Use techniques like SCAMPER to help improve the current elder-friendly products in order to help make their lives easier.

Do a campaign to help raise public awareness about the elderly to get people to do community service.

Co-operate with organisations to organise more outdoor activities for the elderly to get them to make more friends and be more familiar with the neighborhood instead of them moping alone at home.

Personal Reflection (NEWater Visit)

1. What are the 3 key takeaways from today’s visit?

-Water is considered scarce in Singapore as we have to import water from Malaysia, so water conservation and other ways of producing water for the nation is very important.

- The 4 National taps are Local Catchment, Desalinated Water, NEWater and Imported Water. These sources are currently able to support Singapore's increasing demand.

- The process of treating water so that it is clean enough for consumption (NEWater way)

2. Name 2 concepts that you have learnt today during the visit.

Water conservation for Singapore is important and vital and the process of how NEWater treats the water.

3. What is the 1 interesting thing that you have learnt today?

A single bacteria when multiplied by 100 million times its original size, is about the size of a truck.

4. What are the things that you can do to help with water conservation in Singapore?

I can help by asking people around me to conserve water in homes and in schools.

Reflection

1. The 3 takeaways are the basic concept of the product must be present, the rules and regulations when it comes to doing something large, like planting trees. The third is that too many things on a presentation slide can make the audience feel insulted, as they can read it themselves.

2. Creativity and Idea Generation. Creativity is needed as it pertains to the look of the product, to make as many people as possible to buy the product. Idea Generation is even more important since it is the idea that creates the product.

3. I have learnt that the design of even the smallest feature in a product is important.

Photography(people)

This is JingJie, who on the way up to our classroom after lesson was over was trying to take a picture of me behind his back with his phone.
This was taken during class, and Harsh appears to be listening attentively to Miss Seah by the way he was leaning forward.
Our silhouettes at the notice board near the classroom was taken after Shawn suggested it and it looks pretty cool.
They both look like they're working hard to take their pictures properly, with the look on their faces.
Miss Ooi, who after we requested permission to take her photography, kindly posed for us. But afterwards asked us where our ADMT blog homepage was, so she could delete it.

The best time to take photos is during early morning and late afternoon.

Photography

1) Different types of photography

-Advertising Photography

-Aerial Photography

-Architectural Photography

-Astronomical Photography

-Commercial Photography

-Digital Photography

-Infrared Photography

-Macro Photography

-Night Photography, etc.

2) Equipments

-Digital/Non-Digital Camera

-Tripod
3) Aperture

-Used in digital photography, it is used for editing photos

4) Focus

(1)A point at which converging rays of light meet after being refracted or reflected. (2) Focal point of a lens. (3) The clear and sharply-defined condition of an image, as in “This image is in focus,” meaning it is sharp and well-defined. (4) Adjustment of the distance setting on a lens to obtain a sharply-defined image.

5) Shutter Speed

Controls the duration of an exposure - the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the exposure time.

6) ISO speed

The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the image sensor and therefore the possibility to take pictures in low-light situations.

7) Metering

It refers to the ligth meter built into the camera which can set the camera to automatically adjust the exposure for the amount of light present.

8) White Balance

A digital camera analyzes a scene using its white balance mode to determine areas that should be recorded as pure white. The camera adjusts the overall scene's color balance so that the areas meant to be reproduced as white in the picture will be white, thereby also adjusting all the other colors in the scene using the same color shift values.
9) Composition (Rules)

The arrangement of the elements (subject and other objects) in a scene or photograph.

10) Techniques

I found a couple of links

-http://www.dpdigest.com/types-photography/

-http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/04/22/the-ultimate-photography-round-up/

-http://www.photoxels.com/tutorial_iso.html

Difference between Isometric, Oblique and Orthographic Drawings

In order: Orthographic, Oblique and Isometric




Isometric drawings are 3D drawings drawn mostly on isometric dot paper. Oblique drawings are 2D images of 3D objects, and orthographic drawings are basically the same as an oblique drawing. The difference between oblique and orthographic drawings is that an orthographic drawing, when projected, 6 different pictures of the object can be seen, while an oblique drawing is just a 2D image of an object with forced depth.

Sited from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oblique_projection
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthographic_projection
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isometric_projection

Define the theme-Environment

The environment is fluid dynamic thing, changing constantly. There, living things are influenced and modified in their growth and development. Whether good or bad, your environment will shape you. All surroundings of a living organism, including metal forces and other living things, provides conditions for development and growth in a community. When a baby is born, his heart is pure, but after being influenced by his environment, he or she may be "contaminated" and grow up to be a very different person from supposed.The Environment is the surrounding atmosphere and condition for existence, It is an essential process or an outcome of occurrence.

Sited from:http://www.sadashivan.com/freephotos4ursocialstudy/id26.html

Environment

ADMT to me simply means using art, design and media with the help of technology to create artworks.
I believe that all ADMT students should be creative and never despair when something goes wrong as there are teachers and friends to support them. My aspiration is to maintain good progress in lessons and do well in the subject. I believe by working hard and staying vigilant, I can achieve my aspiration. The sketch shows that the earth is just barren land, as there is no art, design, media and technology going on.Without design, even clothing will not exist as it requires design to even create it.