Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

This is a dishwasher but it also looks like a toilet brush. It is blue in colour, and it has a lot a lot of springs to wash of all the dirt from the dishes in restaurants. The springs are metallic.

Design Considerations: Needs a lot of hairs to wash off all the dirt from the dishes. It is made of plastic so that if it is accidentally heated, it would not burn the user's hand.

Elderly Difficulties? The elderly would face difficulties using this item. Because if the elderly's grip is weak, it will easily slip and fall onto the sink and the elderly would have to keep grabbing it off the sink. The elderly could scratch themselves with the springs.

The idea is the one below the original product.

Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?

A science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

2.What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?

a) Safety

b) Comfort

c) Ease of use

d) Productivity

e) 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.

1. Safety:Medicine bottles — print sizes could be enlarged so those with impaired vision (due to sinus problems, for example) can more easily read the label instructions. Ergonomics can discover the optimum font style, color and size to enhance readability using the limited space available on a medicine label.

2. Comfort: Alarm clock display — some displays are harshly bright, drawing one’s eye to the light or keeping one awake when surroundings are dark. Ergonomic principles could redesign this based on contrast principles and include automatic dimming functions in low-light environments.

3. Ease of use: Street Signs — in an unfamiliar area, it can be quite difficult to spot street signs. This could be addressed by using principles of visual detection to make street signs more visible.

4. Productivity: Office furniture/equipment — the use of ergonomically designed office furniture and equipment (such as office chairs and computer input devices) can drastically reduce work-related injuries and employee absences.

5. Aesthetics : Signs in the workplace — signage could be made more aesthetic by using a consistent format throughout the workplace.

Ergonomics I

1: One workplace has lots of items, and its very cluttered while the other workplace has lesser items, and it is all organized. One chair is not reclinable while the other chair is reclinable. One monitor screen is fixed while the other monitor screen can be moved. One workplace has a light bulb too bright while the other workplace has a normal light bulb. Workplace 1 has lousy movement of laptop while workplace 2 has a better movement of laptop. Workplace 1 has little space for a lot of items while workplace 2 has more space for more items.

2: Workplace 2. Workplace 2 has a much more nicer and organized area, and the equipment is much cooler.

3: The chair should be able to recline so that

QUESTION 3&4 will be coming

Elderly Observation- Observation 4

This picture on the top shows that though the elderly are old, they still want to go overseas and have fun! Though elderly people look old, they are still young at heart.

I interviewed this elderly (I am sorry no audio or video recordings again) who said that when he was young, he did not take the opportunity to bring his children out on a holiday with him though he wanted to, so his children fulfilled his dream by bring him to Japan.

I feel that elderly just love dreaming of their kids to bring them overseas, so that they can enjoy it as much as their children. Elderly just wants to relax and have fun!!!

Phun Elderly Room

The highlighted objects in the picture way on top shows an elderly on the bed holding onto a crossbar to pull herself up so that she could not fall on the ground when she wakes up.

The highlighted objects in this picture on top shows an elderly in the toilet. Beside it is a light sensing detector. As long as the light sensing detector detects the elderly, it will light up the toilet. There is also a crossbar for the elderly to hold onto so that the elderly would not have to worry about falling while bathing or slipping on the toilet bowl.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 3

This picture on the left shows the elderly choosing her vegetables at the wet market at Admiralty. The elderly usually come here to buy their own ingredients so that they, or their caretakers can cook food to eat. I feel that even though the elderly are very old, they still take the initiative to buy their own food.

I interview this elderly who did not want an audio nor a video interview to take place. She said that everyday, she would go to the wet market so that she could buy all the ingredients she needs to cook to eat. She said it was difficult to carry all the ingredients(though she really wants too, but she is very old now), that is why she has a caretaker to help her.

I feel that she really wants to be young again, just like most other elderly. She also told me she does not want her caretaker to hold her hand or help her onto bed, only her family. All elderly just want another chance at life, they want to feel young and make up their errors.

My next observation would be in Japan. I hope there is something different there. I can only post my fourth observation in June 26th.

Elderly Observation- Observation 2

Every fortnight, we would go back to my mother's old neighborhood estate in Marsiling. There are lots of good food to eat. These are all cooked by elderly people who have been staying there since 30 years ago. In general, there are lots of old people living there.

I noticed a common trait among them (similar to my grandmother):

Most of them are weak in the knees. The serious ones would need to use walking sticks. The more serious ones are wheelchair bound.

I also noticed another common trait: Most of the elderly do not like to be confined to their homes. They like to spend time at the void decks to have chats or play chess. I would like to take a picture or a video of them but they did not allow me to.

I am feeling perturbed. One day my parents would grow old too. One day, I would grow old too.

Would I rely solely on employed caretakers to take care of us? How would I feel if my children were to leave me in an old folks home, visiting me once a month?

We should not solely rely on external caretakers. We should also take care of them ourselves to show that they are still being loved. In this way, they would still find purpose living in this world.

Looking at their mobility and issues faced, we should design more elder-friendly environment and living area. In this way, the elderly can live happily, without having to worry that they are going to get hurt or anything. They can feel safe.

To begin this journey, I should start to spend more time with my grandmother.