ADMT SHAMEMI S102 ~

` Thursday, October 14, 2010 `

1. What are the difficulties that you have encountered during the process?

I had difficulties in getting the specific materials I needed, even after further and further substitution of materials. After that, some features I wanted to showcase were too hard to do.

2. How do you overcome the difficulties encountered?

I borrowed certain materials I needed from friends who had access to them. Certain features i wanted to showcase, I had no choice but to "edit" the feature, like the way the feature would work, but the feature still remains known in my prototype.

3. What are the 2 key takeaways for this lesson?

They ways of "sculpturing" your ideas from words, to 2D, to 3D. Critical thinking on how to solve problems with different solutions.

@ 7:45 PM.

` Wednesday, July 14, 2010 `

1. What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is all about designing things to suit their users.
The design could be on a physical level or it could be on a psychological level.
Ergonomics plays a particularly important role in making sure that safety critical industries like nuclear power stations can be controlled by their users, and in everyday life by making sure that workstations, checkouts, factory machinery can be used comfortably on a day to day basis.

Ergonomics is concerned with the 'fit' between people and their work. It takes account of the worker's capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker.

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?

Safety

comfort

ease of use

productivity/performance

aesthetics

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

Safety :

Side railings are available on walkways for the elderly to support themselves while walking.

Comfort:

Chairs with a cushion on the back rest. It allows the user to be able to relax and feel comfortable while seated in the chair.

Ease of Use :

Watches that display the time big and clearly for the elderly to see if they have poor vision.

productivity/performance :

Curved edges of an object eg a table so that the elderly does not knock against it unintentionally and suffer injuries.

Aesthetics:

Wheelchairs that suit the elderly well.

@ 5:03 AM.

` Sunday, July 11, 2010 `

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.

The person in white keeps a messy workplace and the person in black keeps his workplace neat and tidy.

The convenience of the facilities in the person in white's workplace is way worse than the person in black's workplace,where there are more convenient facilities for comfort.

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

The person in black's workplace.The facilities there fit the comfort of a person who may be a workaholic and would most probably spent almost his whole life in his office and therefore needs the luxury.The facilities also prevent different kinds of injuries such as backaches and others and as well as prevent accidents not meant to happen like spillage or whatever,unlike the person in white's workplace which has no proper facilities and is very prone for injuries or accidents to happen.Examples that contribute are the Liberty chair,the M7 monitor arm and some others.

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

The workplace has to suit the person using it,in terms of luxury and comfort. We should also consider any "disabilities" of the person,such as backache.The person SHOULD be looking forward to work everyday,partially due to the fabulousity of the workplace.

4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

It is to suit the user and enable full comfort when the user is working.

@ 6:10 PM.

` Tuesday, June 22, 2010 `

This is the full view of my designed room.

This flooring is vinyl and produces friction so that old folks do not slip and fall and hurt themselves.The floor is a little smooth but safe if they senior falls accidentally so it does not hurt.

The ceiling fan is to prevent any injuries the elderly may get should they accidentally bang against it or any other accident.

The low bed is so that the elderly do not have to use so much force to get on the bed when they want to sleep or just simply sit on the bed.

The toilet has a sliding door so that the elderly would not have difficulty opening and closing the door whenever.

The non-slip mat helps so that the elderly do not slip and fall when their feet are wet(supposedly)after using the toilet.

The toilet has a hand railing at the side so that the senior would not have a problem sitting or standing up.Toilet seats are also preferable as old people cannot squat.

Racks to hang washed clothes to dry so bamboo poles are not needed at all.

Tables and stools are round so there are no sharp edges around the corners and therefore,they would not injure themselves.

@ 11:17 PM.

` Monday, June 21, 2010 `

Sometimes,the bamboo poles(with clothes hanging)may be proven too heavy for the elderly to take in and out.

My grandmother has this just outside her home in the kitchen and she says that it is quite dangerous if we happen to lose our balance should the pole be too heavy.They should therefore be using hollow plastic poles which are lighter and waterproof as well,for better benefits.

@ 11:59 PM.

At certain kitchen counters or whatever,there are like,sharp edges that may hurt the elderly.They are old and may be less aware of their surroundings,and therefore,they might not realise that there's a sharp edge nearby as well.Hence,injuring themselves.So,they should have edges that are much more smoother and blunt to prevent injuries.

@ 11:41 PM.

The inconvenient curbs,or should I say "obstacles",causes difficulties for the elderly to get about.Sometimes if they do not see it they may just trip over it and fall and get injured.There should be a ramp-like curb instead to make it easier for them.

@ 11:05 PM.