Well-‐Being Design Submitted to the Faculty of the Furniture Design

Transcription

Well-‐Being Design Submitted to the Faculty of the Furniture Design Department In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts in Furniture Design at Savannah College of Art and Design Tanner N. Svoboda Savannah, Georgia © May 2015 George Perez, Committee Chair Charles Boggs, Committee Member John Pierson, Committee Member Dedication Page This thesis is dedicated to all those in the health care industry working to improve the quality of life of others. Table of Contents
List of Figures
1
__________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
4
__________________________________________________________________________
Part 1: Introduction
5
__________________________________________________________________________
Part 2: Well-Being Design
8
__________________________________________________________________________
- 2a. Human Centered Design
9
- 2b. Universal Design
15
- JPMA Certification
- 2c. Systems Furniture
17
19
Part 3: Hear
__________________________________________________________________________
- 3a. Identify a design challenge
20
- 3b. Recognize existing knowledge
21
- Assistive Technology
21
- Existing Assistive Technology
28
- 3c. Identify people to speak with
34
- 3d. Choose research methods
37
- 3e. Develop an interview approach
38
- 3f. Observe vs. Interpret
39
Part 4: Create
__________________________________________________________________________
- 4a. Develop the approach
41
- 4b. Share stories
41
- 4c. Identify Pattern/ Find themes/ Create Framework
41
- 4d. Create opportunity areas
42
- 4e. Brainstorming new solutions
42
- 4f. Make ideas real
47
- 4g. Gather feedback
53
Part 5: Deliver
__________________________________________________________________________
- 5a. Identify capabilities required for delivering solutions
55
- 5b. Create an implementation timeline
58
- 5c. Track Indicators
58
- 5d. Evaluate Outcomes
59
Part 6: Conclusion
66
__________________________________________________________________________
Part 7: Appendix
67
__________________________________________________________________________
Works Cited
68
__________________________________________________________________________
Svoboda 1 List of Figures
Figure 1
Tempur-Pedic Positional mattress
6
Figure 2
PresslitCare Height Adjustable Kitchen Countertop
6
Figure 3
Well-Being Design Venn Diagram
8
Figure 4
Human Centered Design Venn Diagram
9
Figure 5
Human Centered Design Bell Curve
11
Figure 6
Human Centered Design Relationship Map
13
Figure 7
Touch Sink
16
Figure 8
Perceptible Wall Sign
17
Figure 9
ASTM Standards for Toddler Beds
18
Figure 10 JPMA Certification Logo
19
Figure 11 Herman Miller: Canvas Office Landscape Collection
19
Figure 12 Human Centered Design Process Bell Curve
20
Figure 13 Well-Being Design Mind Map #1
21
Figure 14 Assistive Technology Evaluation Diagram
25
Figure 15 Theraposture Safe-T Bed
29
Figure 16 Medline Hospital Bed
29
Figure 17 Human Solution Height Adjustable Desk
30
Figure 18 Kid Kraft Platform Toddler Bed
31
Figure 19 Wharfside Princess Desk
32
Figure 20 Personalized Bed
33
Figure 21 Well-Being Design Mind Map 2
41
Svoboda 2 Figure 22 Well-Being Bed Sketch
43
Figure 23 Well-Being Swing Sketch
44
Figure 24 Well-Being Desk Sketch
45
Figure 25 Well-Being Storage Sketches
46
Figure 26 Well-Being Bed 3D Model
47
Figure 27 Well-Being Bed Scale Model
48
Figure 28 Well-Being Bed Full-Scale Mock-Up
48
Figure 29 Well-Being Swing 3D Model
48
Figure 30 Well-Being Swing Scale Model
49
Figure 31 Well-Being Swing Full-Scale Mock-Up
49
Figure 32 Well-Being Desk 3D Model
50
Figure 33 Well-Being Desk Scale Model
50
Figure 34 Well-Being Desk Full-Scale Mock-Up
51
Figure 35 Well-Being Storage 3D Model
51
Figure 36 Well-Being Storage Scale Model
52
Figure 37 Well-Being Storage Full-Scale Mock-Up
52
Figure 38 Fabrication Schedule & Check list
58
Figure 39 Well-Being Bed Image
59
Figure 40 Well-Being Bed Step and Bumper Element
60
Figure 41 Well-Being Bed Front Board Slide Element
60
Figure 42 Well-Being Storage Image
61
Figure 43 Well-Being Storage Drawer Element
62
Figure 44 Well-Being Storage Hinge and Way-finding element
62
Svoboda 3 Figure 45 Well-Being Desk Image
63
Figure 46 Well-Being Desk Bumper Element
64
Figure 47 Well-Being Desk Cubby Element
64
Figure 48 Well-Being Swing Image
64
Figure 49 Well-Being Swing Rubber Element
65
Figure 50 Well-Being Swing Rope and Lock Element
65
Svoboda 4 Abstract Well-‐Being Design Tanner N. Svoboda May 2015 Assistive technology is an integral part of the everyday lives of anyone with a disability, and having access to it is crucial in their comfort and safety. This thesis examines the current state of health care furniture and its complex relationship with the pediatric community. It will go in depth on how assistive technology is being used in residential furnishings made available by the residential and commercial markets, as well as how pediatric patients and their caregivers perceive it. The research will include an extensive look into what type of assistive technology is needed for a broad range of disabilities, as well as first hand accounts, expert interviews, and potential user interviews (which include both pediatric patients and caregivers) to determine what is needed in today’s residential furnishings as well as its aesthetic. Thus, it proposes a viable alternative market that integrates assistive technology into residential pediatric furnishings to allow adequate functionality for users with disabilities and their caregivers. Keywords: Well-‐Being, Pediatric, Furniture, Assistive Technology, Universal Design, Human Centered Design, Systems Furniture, Health-‐Care. Svoboda 5 Part 1: Introduction What do you think of when you think of health care furniture? The typical picture that comes to mind is a hospital room filled with furniture lacking in both quality and aesthetics creating a depressing setting. In recent years research has shown that the integration of contemporary styling, colors, textures, and patterns into these pieces will increase patients and employee’s moods, as well as improving the healing time of patients. The health care industry has been successful in creating better living environments in hospital settings by integrating these details, but what happens when they design furnishings for the residential setting? These are pieces that have assistive technology integrated into them for the aid of someone with a disability, whether permanent or temporary, making everyday living easier in the home. The health care industry is still producing cheap, institutional looking pieces. If we don’t want these types of pieces in the hospital setting, why would we want them in our own home? Our home is a place where one would want to feel as comfortable as possible, and having cold sterile furniture takes away from that comfort. Companies, such as Herman Miller and Tempur-‐Pedic, that do not directly design products for the health care industry, are producing furnishings that help serve the same function as the health care industries pieces, but have the aesthetic qualities that would be welcome in a home. Herman Miller, a commercial office furniture company, makes furniture that has a very appealing design, but also has the added benefits of being able to adapt to the users needs. Tempur-‐Pedic, which designs mattresses (Fig. 1), took the concept of the hospital bed and integrated its memory foam mattresses, allowing the user to position their body into the most comfortable position while supporting the body with Svoboda 6 their innovative foam. Other companies, such as PressalitCare, are integrating the technology needed for people with disabilities into the contemporary kitchen environments (Fig. 2), whether it is a height adjustable counter top, or a cabinet with wheelchair accessible Figure 1. Tempur-Pedic Positionable Mattress
shelving. They, along with Herman Miller and Tempur-‐Pedic, have integrated this technology into residential furnishings in a way that makes the user feel not like a patient, but a productive and coping individual. Although there is a necessity for assistive furniture for the general public, there is also a great need for an unexplored genre: assistive furniture for Figure 2. PressalitCare Height
Adjustable Kitchen Countertop
children with disabilities. Pieces that have the functionality of health care furniture, but designed specifically for children with a residential aesthetic. These are pieces that function in rooms like the bedroom, where children learn, play, and spend a large amount of their time, as well as areas where anyone with a disability would still need access to furnishings with assistive technology. While only a few options such as beds and desks exist, they are oversized, expensive, lack aesthetics, and primarily designed for functionality. Several health care companies make beds for the home that fulfill the functional requirements, but are made from materials that can be easily damaged, and aren’t aesthetically pleasing such faux veneer and particleboard. This gap in both the health care and residential markets Svoboda 7 leaves much to be desired. With the simple integration of assistive technology into aspects of bedroom furniture, the physical and emotional well-‐being of disabled children could greatly improve. This thesis is based around answering the questions: “what is assistive technology?”, and “how is it used in the home by not only the user, but also the caregivers who heavily rely on assistive technology?” The answers will lead to a better understanding of what is working and what is not working with current pediatric assistive technology as well as what they want to see in the future. The findings will help develop creative solutions, which can then be evaluated by potential users to determine if they are viable. Having a disability doesn't need to make a child feel alienated by making everyday tasks incredibility difficult. Children suffering handicaps or battling disabilities need to live normal and self-‐sufficient lives, whether they are temporarily in therapy or facing a life-‐
long disability. Furniture designers have the opportunity to design pieces that allow the user to adapt to any space and be as comfortable as possible, no matter what situation. Also recognizing areas in the market that aren’t being utilized is very important to the growth of the furniture industry. Creating a new approach to residential health care furnishings will hopefully fill a gap in the market and provide products that can assist the greatest amount of people. Svoboda 8 Part 2
Well-Being Design
Well-Being design is the concept of integrating assistive technology into everyday
furnishings to assist someone with a disability. They are pieces that have the aesthetic value of
ones found in the residential industry, but meet the functions of those found in the health care
industry. Well-Being furniture is not meant to be specifically for someone with a disability. It is
intended for everyone, but has the added benefit of assisting someone with a disability. There is
furniture today that does meet these criteria, such as the Tempur-Pedic bed mentioned earlier.
However, this product intended to perform one type of function where Well-Being designed
pieces take a broader approach to disabilities, and can assist a greater amount of people. To
achieve this goal, three different design areas are being combined into one concept. Integrating
the users needs through Human Centered Design, accommodating for the user with Universal
Design, and using mechanisms found in systems furniture as the tools for how the designs will
function.
Figure 3, Well-Being Design Venn Diagram
Svoboda 9 2a. Human Centered Design
Human Centered Design is a process and set of techniques used to design products,
environments, and modes of interactions with an empathetic approach (Human Centered Design:
Toolkit). Jodi Forlizzi, a Professor of design and human-computer interaction at Carnegie Mellon
University states that human centered design is where you “take actions that support the needs of
those whose lives they are trying to improve, actions that are potentially not in agreement with
their own social or philosophic codes.” It is called Human Centered Design because it starts with
the people we as designers are designing for, and they are the ones who know what the best
solutions are.
The Human Centered Design
approach takes three “lenses” into
account: Desirability- what people
want, Feasibility- what is possible
with today’s technology and
resources, and Viability- what can be
financially viable (Human Centered
Design: Toolkit). By taking these into
account one can create a completely
successful piece that meets the users
Figure 4. Human Centered Design Venn Diagram
needs.
To achieve this goal, human centered design is broken up into three stages; Hear, Create,
and Deliver. Hear consists of collecting stories and inspiration from people. Create takes these
stories and translates them so you can recognize opportunities areas, design problem solutions,
Svoboda 10 and create prototypes. Finally, Deliver is where you launch new ideas and solutions into the
world.
Hear
The goals of the Hear stage is to find out what someone’s needs, hopes and aspirations
are for the future through qualitative research. This type of research provides a deeper
understanding of the issue, rather than a general overview, and can help determine specific
obstacles or barriers in their everyday lives by understanding why these things happen, and how
they can be changed. With regards to this thesis, understanding the obstacles someone with a
disability and their caregivers might have with the furniture they use, and what they would like
to see change to better adapt to their needs will be the primary goal for the hear phase. This first
stage can be broken down into 6 steps: (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 33).
1) Identify a design challenge.
This consists of finding challenges that people are facing that are broad enough to
discover other areas that might parallel, but narrow enough so that the topic can be manageable.
(Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 34)
2) Recognize existing knowledge
Researching what we know about a topic is very important in knowing what is needed or
wanted. Once documented you can focus on what will be new instead of what already exists.
3) Identify people to speak with
According to the Human Centered Design toolkit, “recruiting appropriate and
inspirational participants is crucial.” Identifying those who represent the extreme sides of the
issue, as well as those make up the majority, can be the most effective way to get quality
Svoboda 11 information. Figure 5 shows a bell curve that displays the proportion of people who should be
representative of these three categories. (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 40)
4) Choose research methods
By choosing specific types of research
methods, one can ensure they have gained
thorough information for the context of the
topic. Individual interviews, group interviews,
and expert interviews will be used in this thesis.
Individual interviews allow a deeper
Figure 5. Human Centered Design Bell Curve understanding of the behaviors, reasoning, and
lives of people. Group interviews generate general ideas on the topic quickly, and expert
interviews allow for in-depth technical information. They can provide details on the topic like
the history, regulations that might affect it, and the technologies associated with it. (Human
Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 42)
5) Develop an interview approach.
Finding a balance between discovering relevant information, and talking as an empathetic
friend is crucial when interviewing. It is important to start with questions they are comfortable
with, then ask broad questions on the topic, and finally probe deeply. (Human Centered Design:
Toolkit, Page 58)
6) Observe vs. Interpret.
Finally throughout the interview process one needs to understand the difference between
observing what they do, and interpreting what they say. This gives you a better understanding of
the behavior and context they are referring to. (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 68)
Svoboda 12 Create
The overall goal of Create is to translate your research into real world application through
the process of synthesis and interpretation. “Synthesis is the act of making sense of what we’ve
seen and heard during the observations” (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 83). It takes us
from ideas and inspiration and moves them forward in a more strategic direction, allowing both
the logical side of the brain (left) to work in tandem with the creative side (right) to create
innovative design solutions. Throughout the Create stage one will go through almost all of the
design process, starting with brainstorming, and moving into sketching, modeling, and finally
prototyping. It is broken down into 7 steps.
1) Develop the Approach.
The first step is to choose what type of approach you want to take to the design problem.
The Human Centered Design Toolkit identifies two different methods to approach the design
process. Method one is a participatory co-design approach, where you design the product or idea
with people of the community. This is most beneficial with the adoption of the idea within the
community. The second method is an empathic design approach. Through empathy, you receive
a deep understanding of the needs of the user. Essentially you get a sense of what it feels like to
“walk in their shoes.” It is more beneficial when you want to design products that have a deeper
connection to the users thoughts and feelings. (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 84)
2) Share stories.
Through this step you turn the information you gained through the interviews and turn it
into data that can be used as ideas or inspiration for your final product. These stories should be
descriptive and specific, yet should not include hypothesizing or judgment of what the user says.
Svoboda 13 3) Identify Pattern/ Find themes/ Create Framework.
Once the data has been collected from step 2, the next
step is to put it into structured framework. This can include
Venn diagrams, process maps, and relational maps. A
relational map, shown to the right in Figure 6, shows how
specific parts or your research relate to each other. From this
framework you can extract key insights and identify patterns
and themes that lead to larger relationships that can be
incorporated into the final product. (Human Centered
Figure 6. Human Centered Design
Relationship Map
Design: Toolkit, Page 94-101)
4) Create opportunity areas.
Once you have identified patterns and themes within your research, the next step is to
take these relationships and funnel them into finite groups. Within these groups the question
“How might we…?” needs to be answered. For example, if research was done on kitchen
layouts, and a relationship between the distance of the refrigerator and kitchen island was found.
The question of, “how might we bring these two closer together, while still keeping a functional
work flow within the space,” needs to be asked. It is important to not design solutions, just create
opportunities. (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 102)
5) Brainstorming new solutions.
Once the opportunities have been narrowed down, the next step is to brainstorm
solutions. No idea is too large or impractical; “generating truly impractical solutions often spurs
ideas that are relevant and reasonable” (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 104).
Svoboda 14 6) Make ideas real.
By integrating your new ideas into sketches, models, and prototypes you can get a better
understanding of how your product or idea will look as well as function. Specifically, prototypes
are a powerful form of communication that allows us to think in realistic terms. (Human
7) Gather feedback
Once prototypes have been completed, it is important to gather feedback from those you
interviewed, as well as those who could provide important information. It is important to allow
them to give honest unbiased feedback. (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 108)
Deliver
The overall goal of Deliver is to take your most successful ideas and move onto
implementation. In the case of this thesis, it is the fabrication of the pieces. This includes taking
all the feedback from the Create phase and integrating them into the finalized design. This phase
has 4 steps.
1) Identify capabilities required for delivering solutions
Knowing what will be needed in order to complete your product or idea will greatly
inform the feasibility of it. Asking what kind of human and technology capabilities, as well as
what materials will be needed, and whether they can be found locally or in other areas. (Human
2) Create an implementation timeline
Mapping out a timeline is an important way to stay on schedule. Having a detailed
timeline of each product or idea can ensure that your product will be done on time, as well as
allow you to see opportunities where you can improve or add additional elements. (Human
Svoboda 15 Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 138)
3) Track Indicators
Track indicators are important to integrate onto your timeline. These can be weekly
meetings to ensure that a schedule is met, or they can be goals to be attained during production.
It is important to note that not all track indicators should be positive. Negative indicators identify
problems that need to be resolved. (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 146)
4) Evaluate Outcomes
To finish the human centered design process, evaluation of your final outcome is
important in determining the successfulness of the idea or product. Whether it is a positive or
negative outcome, a thorough evaluation is needed for the next stages of the product or ideas
development. (Human Centered Design: Toolkit, Page 148)
2b. Universal Design
Universal design is a movement that started in the early 20th century when the average
lifespan of a person changed from 46 to 76 years. Two World Wars created a large population of
people with disabilities, and advancement in medicine made previously fatal illnesses livable.
The need for accessibility was high and it sparked a change in the needs of products and
environments. This was first seen through the barrier free movement in the 1950’s. According to
The Center for Universal Design, it was “established in response to demands by disabled
veterans and advocates for people with disabilities to create opportunities in education and
employment rather than institutionalized health care and maintenance.” Standards that assisted
the person with the disability grew out of this, but because they were seen as “special” or “ugly”
they typically segregated the user from the general public. A new way of approaching this idea
had to be created, one that accommodated the user with the disability in an attractive way, but
Svoboda 16 also benefited the general public. It is based upon 7 general principles, all of which need to be
taken into account in Well-Being products. (Universal Design Principles)
1) Equitable Use
Equitable use means that the design is helpful to people with diverse abilities. The uses
should be the same and should avoid segregation or stigmatizing. Details such as privacy,
security, and safety should also be available to all users. (Universal Design Principles)
2) Flexibility in Use
Flexibility provides the user a choice of
method to use while accommodating for a wide
range of preferences and abilities with the user.
The movement should be done at any pace by either
a left or right hand and without the use of accuracy
or precision. (Universal Design Principles)
3) Simple and Intuitive Use
Figure 7. Touch Sink
The design should be easy to understand and
use without any previous training, knowledge of the design, or concentration level of the user.
By eliminating the complexity of the design, and being consistent with the information given, the
design should be able to be used by anyone no matter what language spoken. (Universal Design
Principles)
4) Perceptible Information
The design should communicate important information successfully no matter what
environmental conditions or users sense abilities. The use of verbal or tactile information can
provide contrast between important information and the surroundings, and differentiate
Svoboda 17 directional and instructional elements and allow for a variety
of devices used by people with sensory disabilities.
(Universal Design Principles)
5) Tolerance for Error
The tolerance for error protects against accidental or
unintended actions by eliminating hazards and errors by
either isolating or shielding them from the general public, or
providing warnings. (Universal Design Principles)
Figure 8. Perceptible Wall Sign
6) Low Physical Effort
This allows for the design to be used without much effort that can cause fatigue, or
without any need for repeated actions or unreasonable forces. It also allows for the body to be
kept in a neutral body position. (Universal Design Principles)
7) Size and Space for Approach and Use
The design can function in any appropriate size and space no matter the size, posture, and
mobility of the user. If seated the design should provide a clean line of sight for important
elements, as well as provide enough space for other assistive technology or assistance.
(Universal Design Principles)
Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) Certification
The JPMA is a national trade organization that sets standards for products going into the
market place that are designed for child use. They have been dedicated to creating safe
environments for children for over 50 years, and their products range from cribs and car seats to
bedding and decorative items. In order to have a product achieve JPMA certification it has to
pass a 5-step process. (Certification for Manufacturers)
Svoboda 18 1) ASTM Standards are developed
Each product being submitted for possible certification will have a different set of
standards to be passed. These standards are developed by the American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM), which has over 12,000 standards in effect today. These standards are in place
to “improve product quality, enhance safety,
facilitate market access and trade, and build
consumer confidence.” (About ASTM
International) They range from the materials used
in children’s toys to the production of aircraft
parts. Figure 9 is an example of ASTM codes
Figure 9. ASTM Standards for Toddler Beds
pertaining to toddler beds that must be met in order
to achieve JPMA certification. The full list of ASTM standards for children’s furniture can be
found at the end appendix in the forms pages.
2) Product Sample Submitted for Testing
In order to attain certification the piece must be submitted to the JPMA for testing.
3) Testing
Testing of the product occurs in independent laboratories.
4) Certification Criteria Met
There are four sets of criteria that must be met in order to achieve certification.
1. ASTM Standards
2. Federal Laws
3. State Laws
4. Retailer Requirements
Svoboda 19 5) Certification is Achieved
If JPMA Certification is achieved, the product will receive their stamp
of approval. Having this stamp on a product lets the public know that the
product is safe for your child to use. ("Certification for Manufacturers.")
Systems Furniture
Systems furniture, also known as action furniture, is a concept
Figure 10, JPMA Certification
Logo
that allows office furniture to change or adapt to the ongoing evolution of design. It originated in
the 60’s by the designer Robert Prospt while he was working for the commercial furniture
company Herman Miller. Prospt looked at how offices were functioning, and knew a change was
needed. His action furniture allowed for space saving benefits, durability, design options and
interchangeable components. The term action comes from its ability to reconfigure and update
easily. Figure 11 is an example of this transformation. Canvas Office Landscape is a collection
from Herman Miller’s systems furniture division. It has the ability to transform from individual
desks to a collaborative setting. (Canvas Office Landscape)It is this ability to adapt to the users
needs that makes systems furniture the perfect tools for how Well-Being designed furniture will
function.
Figure 11. Herman Miller: Canvas Office
Landscape Collection
Svoboda 20 Part 3
The design process used in this thesis follows the same process used in Human Centered
Design. It is split up into three stages. In Hear, the first stage, research is gathered and interviews
with potential users and industry professionals take place. During the Create stage all the
information gathered from the Hear stage is taken and integrated into designs. Finally the Deliver
stage includes fabrication of the product as well as final evaluations.
Figure 12. Human Centered Design Process Bell Curve
Hear
3a. Identify a design challenge.
Enhancing the lives of those with disabilities is the key idea behind this thesis. A starting
point was to research the area of assistive technology, and determine if this topic has merit. The
significant insight from this process was that anyone with a disability, whether it is temporary or
long term, man or woman, young or old, assistive technology is imperative to living normal
everyday lives. The design challenge of this thesis was to create furniture that integrates assistive
technology into the residential furniture. This will allow the user to feel completely comfortable
in the home setting, while still getting the function and utility needed.
Svoboda 21 3b. Recognize existing knowledge
A thorough investigation into assistive
technology was needed to fully understand
the functions as well as the importance of AT
in the health care field. To generate potential
research areas a mind map was created. This
allowed for ideas to be put together in a
structured way and to show relationships between
topics.
Figure 13. Well-Being Design Mind Map
#1
What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
“Assistive Technology is any piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired
commercially, modified, or customized that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve
functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (What is Assistive Technology? How Is It
Funded). When one thinks of how this type of technology relates to disabilities, the typical image
is of someone using wheelchairs, hearing aides, or crutches. They are the most commonly used
types of AT, and easiest to get. However, most disabilities require AT that is less noticeable to
the average person. These could be items such as specialized door handles and knobs for
someone who has dexterity problems, or way-finding colors or textures that help someone with
vision problems find their way around safely. These types of AT assist the user indirectly, and
could be perceived by the average person as design details rather than technology designed to
assist someone with a disability. It is this type of AT that will be primarily used in this thesis.
Svoboda 22 How many people use Assistive Technology?
As of 2010, “1/6th of all Americans have a disability that makes everyday functions
challenging” (How many people use assistive devices?). Each of these individuals requires some
sort of AT to assist in these everyday functions. The types of disabilities that require AT are
broken down into four different categories; cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, visual
disabilities, and hearing disabilities.
Someone with a cognitive disability would have difficulty with one or more mental tasks
than the average person, and it affects 6.3% of the population (Brault). They can be broken down
into two categories; ones that are severe and affect almost every aspect of someone’s life, and
those that are less severe. An example of a severe cognitive disability would be Down
Syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong intellectual and
developmental problems. Someone with this disability would require constant supervision and
access to assistive technology (What is Down Syndrome). A less severe example of a cognitive
disability would be dyslexia. This is a learning disability that causes “difficulty reading due to
problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words”
(Dyslexia). It is most prominent in children, and in those who have normal vision and
intelligence. Unlike Down syndrome, dyslexia does not affect all aspects of someone’s life, and
can be remedied with trained tutors. Someone with this type of disability might require AT such
as specialized computers with larger keys for learning, specialized lighting as a mood stabilizer,
or visual cues for memory loss.
A physical disability is one that puts limitations on a person’s physical functioning,
mobility, dexterity or stamina, and affects 12.6% of the population (Brault). As with cognitive
disabilities, physical disabilities can also be broken down into severe and less severe categories.
Svoboda 23 An example of a severe physical disability is muscular dystrophy. It is a series of diseases that
cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. It is more prominent in boys, and can cause
someone to lose their ability to walk, breathe or swallow (Muscular Dystrophy Information
Page). Muscular dystrophy affects almost all aspects of someone’s life and requires constant care
if the disease is evolved enough. A less severe example of a physical disability would be a
broken ankle. This would affect someone’s ability to move, but is typically temporary, and does
not affect their everyday life. Some examples of AT required for physical disabilities are
wheelchairs, canes, or support accessories.
Visual disabilities affect 3.3% of the population and are anyone who has suffered loss or
near loss of vision (Brault). A severe example of a visual disability would be complete loss of
vision. This is someone who has lost all sight in both eyes. They would require access to AT
such as a walking stick to help them get around. A less severe example would be
nearsightedness, which is caused when the eyeball is too long for the cornea. It causes objects at
a far distance to be blurry, where close objects are seen clearly (Myopia). Someone with this
disability would require less invasive AT as someone who might be blind. Some examples of AT
for visual disabilities would be walking sticks, glasses, or textured flooring to identify changes in
area of elevation.
3.1% of the population has a hearing disability, which is defined as anyone who has
suffered loss or near loss of hearing (Brault). There are two main types of hearing loss,
conductive hearing loss and sensorineaural Hearing Loss. “Conductive hearing loss occurs when
sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones
(ossicles) of the middle ear,” which denies the person to hear faint sounds (Types of Hearing
Loss). On the other hand, sensorinearual hearing loss occurs when the inner ear, cochlea, or
Svoboda 24 nerve pathways are damaged (Types of Hearing Loss). Conductive hearing loss can be corrected
with hearing aides, but sensorinearual cannot because it is permanent hearing loss. Someone with
a hearing disability would require AT such as hearing aides or light cues to signal alerts.
How do people know what type of Assistive Technology to get?
When someone is diagnosed with a disability, their doctor will recommend them to one
of two professionals; a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist. Physical Therapists are
professionals who help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility. They might help
someone who was born with a lifelong disability, or has a temporary disability from an accident.
They do this by helping their patients manage their conditions by developing a plan of
treatments. The overall goal is to provide or return their patients to a healthier and more active
lifestyle (Who Are Physical Therapists?). Occupational Therapists are professionals who help the
patient learn, or re-learn everyday activities through therapeutic techniques. They most
commonly help children with disabilities that need to learn basic skills to participate in school
and social situations, or someone recovering from injury that needs to regain skills. Occupational
Therapists are also trained on different types of AT, and are more formally trained on how to
assess what type of AT is right for the patient (About Occupational Therapy).
The Physical and Occupational Therapists will work with the doctor to determine what kind of
AT is required to meet the patients needs. They will do this through an evaluation that is
personalized to each patient, since each patient will have different needs. This evaluation will
take into account things like the needs for the patient’s specific disability, their physical
environment, home environment, and school environment if needed. Figure 14 below is an
example of an outline of this type of evaluation. It should be thorough and take almost all aspects
Svoboda 25 of the patient’s life into consideration. Once this evaluation is complete, and the patient receives
the assistive technology, the therapists will then teach the patient to use the device.
Figure 14, Assistive Technology Evaluation
Diagram
If the physical therapist and occupational therapists do not know how to use the assistive
technology, then they can consult with an Assistive Technology Professional. This is a person
who is specially trained and certified by RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive
Technology Society of North America) to work with someone with a disability to teach him or
her how to use the AT (Get Certified). The ATP can also be brought in during the evaluation
phase to help determine what kind of AT will be right for the patient.
Can someone receive funding for Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology in general is very expensive. A standard wheelchair starts out at
$1000, and increases depending on how sophisticated it is. Having access to financial assistance
is very important to someone with a disability, especially if the AT is required for everyday
Svoboda 26 functioning. According to Marilyn Field, author of “The Future of Disability in America,” health
care companies are more likely to cover doctors and therapy visits then they are AT. Medicare
only covers certain AT such as medical equipment, prosthetic devices, and orthographic devices,
and they specifically exclude hearing aides and eyeglasses. For AT to qualify as medical
equipment it must meet these four requirements (Field).
(1) Can withstand repeated use
(2) Primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose
(3) Generally is not useful to an individual in the absence of an illness or injury
(4) Appropriate for use in the home
This excludes any AT that are considered “convenience” items such as grab bars and bath seats
(Field). Medicaid is a national program that operates under federal standards. It gives states the
authority to determine who should get AT. It covers more AT than Medicare, but it puts
restrictive caps on how much can be given. It is the same for private insurance companies. They
tend to put a yearly cap of $1,500 for AT, and the patient must meet strict requirements (Field).
Does the user use the Assistive Technology?
According to Cathy Bodine, “Depending on the technology, nonuse or abandonment rates
can be as low as 8% or as high as 75%”. This of course depends greatly on how intrusive the AT
is on someone’s life or how severe their disability is. Someone who uses glasses to correct a
visual disability would be less likely to abandon their AT compared to someone who uses a more
unusual type of AT that their living a day to day life is not dependent on. There are several
reasons for this type of abandonment, but the most notable is the stigma behind using AT. A
stigma is a mark of disgrace on ones reputation and can affect people in different ways. For
example, someone might reject AT if they are fearful of being defined as disabled. The stigma
Svoboda 27 that someone with a disability is less capable than the average person could compel him or her to
want to abandon the AT in social settings or all together. For example, having to use large,
intrusive, or institutionalized AT in their homes might create a level of embarrassment that
would prohibit them interacting socially, which could lead to isolation and other behavioral
problems (Brady). A study done between Illinois State University and the Institute for Matching
Person and Technology with regards to assessing AT for children with developmental disabilities
says “stigmatization is often a reality having varying effects, including, but not limited to (a) less
than ideal treatment; (b) disrupted social relations; (c) person avoidance, anxiety, and depression;
(d) a distorted self-image and resulting poor self-esteem” (Parette). Since a lot of the children
taken into account in this thesis have levels of development disabilities, combating this
stigmatization is very important.
Another reason for abandoning AT is that it does not complement one’s lifestyle.
Professionals not taking the users environment and everyday lifestyle into account when
assessing proper AT can cause this. Even thought this may sound like a minor reason for
abandoning AT, a person’s conformability is very important. Phil Parette, a Professor at the
University of Rochester, states that, “An assumption sometimes made by many AT professionals
is that certain devices prescribed for children with developmental disabilities satisfy multiple
user needs and thus should be used across environmental settings.” The study found that
professionals deal on a level of generalization when it comes to assessing AT, that taking peoples
specific lifestyle needs are not as highly addressed.
Below are some other reasons for abandoning AT.
- Not having personal access to accessible technologies
- Not knowing that accessible options exist
Svoboda 28 - Not having the time or resources to buy or learn how to use AT
- Difficulty with learning new devices
- Dissatisfaction with existing devices
What type of Assistive Technology is available?
There are thousands of different AT products on the market today. They range anywhere
from basic products like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes to assist in movement. Hearing aides,
smart tablets and computer software for someone with sensory disabilities, or even page-turners
and specialized light switches for someone with dexterity problems. There are more extreme
examples of AT such as lift attachments for transportation, physical therapy, and home use, or
specialized equipment and prosthetics. A majority of these products come directly from the
health care industry, but there are a few exceptions. These are products that are designed for the
home or public sector but have AT integrated into them. As mentioned before, Tempur-Pedic is a
good example of this. They have modified their beds so now they can move to put the body in a
more comfortable position, while still having their revolutionary foam to give your body support.
Research was done into furniture designed for home use that is meant for or could be
used by children age 4-10 from both the health care and residential industries. Even though these
are two completely different industries, the same information was looked for in each. This
includes how the pieces assist the user in its function, how the piece integrated safety measures
into it, the aesthetic qualities, and finally the price. All of these are factors when designing
furniture for the greatest amount of people.
Health Care Industry
There are many health care companies that design furniture for children with disabilities.
Some of them rely completely on the function of the piece, while others attempt to integrate
Svoboda 29 aesthetic value into them. The ones described below are companies that produce products that
most met the requirements mentioned earlier.
Theraposture is a British company that has designed AT beds, chairs, and mattresses for
35 years. They design several different types of beds for children and toddlers, but the
Theraposture Safe-T Bed (Fig. 15), is their newest and most highly regarded bed. It is height
adjustable, can be put at a 45-degree angle, has padded sides that fold up and down, and can
easily be moved. It is made of solid
beech wood and metal construction. The
specialized latch components on the
padded sides allow for added safety, but
more importantly it negates any gaps for
potential entrapment of the user.
Unfortunately, this bed costs $5,000,
and cannot adapt to a growing child. It
is ideal for the caregiver because of its height
Figure 15. Theraposture Safe-T Bed
adjustable qualities, but there is no way for a
child to get up into the bed without the help of a
parent or caregiver. Overall it is a completely
functional and safe bed, but because of its
aesthetic and price it is not the ideal bed for
consumers.
Unfortunately, it is this type of bed that is
available for both infants and toddlers because
Figure 16. Medline Hospital Bed
Svoboda 30 when designing beds for children with disabilities you have to take into account that even though
a child may be large enough for a twin or queen size mattress, they still require details like safety
rails or bumpers, which are not found on larger beds. Some hospital beds have rails along the
sides, but they do not go all the way around. Figure 16 is an example of a typical hospital bed
with a rail, made by the health care company Medline. For a child who might who might be
prone to night terrors, or random muscle spasms, which is common in children with cognitive
and nervous system disorders, they require a bed that allows for 360 degree structure. This bed
has many different types of side rail accessories, but they do not provide structure all the way
around the child, nor are the cutouts in the
railings safe for a small child. Even though this
type of bed is the most commonly found in the
health care industry, in terms of being suitable
for children, it is not.
Desks from the health care industry are
primarily designed to meet a functional need,
Figure 17. Human Solution Height Adjustable
Desk
but take little aesthetic quality into account.
Figure 17 is an example of what 90% of the
desks from the health care industry look like as well as how they function. This desk comes from
the company The Human Solution, and is designed to adapt to wheelchairs as well as different
physical statures. It has a push button that adjusts the tabletop from between 24 and 38 inches,
which can allow for either a child or adult size wheelchair. It comes in a variety of hardwood
tops and metal support options, and it costs between $800 and $1,500 depending on the size and
material used. Overall, it is a very functional desk for an office or school environment, but not
Svoboda 31 for the home. Even thought it comes in a variety of hardwoods that gives the table a warm
appeal, it still has an institutionalized look. The desk also does not have any sort of storage for
objects which would be needed for when the desktop is being raised or lowered to prevent from
them falling off.
Residential Industry
When looking at furniture examples from the residential industry, pieces that have similar
functions as the ones form the health care industry were reserached. Whether it somehow
provided a level of safety, or performed a
function that someone with a disability
could benefit from. KidKraft is a company
that has been making wooden children’s
furniture for over 40 years. They make
pieces such as chairs, tables, and beds that
are designed for safety as well as durability.
Their toddler beds, such as the one show in
Figure 18. Kid Kraft Platform Toddler
Bed
Figure 18, are designed to be low to the ground for ease of access, and have rails along each side
to keep kids secure. This bed costs $129 and has the aesthetic value that most would want in his
or her homes. Unfortunately this bed would not be the ideal bed for a child with a disability.
According to the ASTM standards a guardrail has to be at least 5 inches above the top of the
mattress (ASTM International). A bed like this would not meet that requirement, nor does it
provide 360-degree structures around the user. The low level could also be problematic for a
caregiver who repeatedly has to move the child. Even though this bed has the aesthetic qualities
and a decent price, it does not provide the function and safety required.
Svoboda 32 Wharfside is a luxury furniture company that specializes in hard wood Scandinavian
furniture. Their princess desk, shown in Figure 19 below, is designed to adapt to the growing
individual through a height adjustable top. It is made out of solid hardwood, and has both a
sliding drawer as well as a top piece that folds up to make an easel. This desk seems like the
perfect desk for a child with a disability because of its functionality and aesthetic qualities.
Unfortunately this desk costs $3,000, and it doesn’t take into account how an individual with a
disability would use the piece.
Figure 19. Wharfside Princess Desk
Because it is solid hardwood throughout, someone with a low vision might not be able to
see where the drawer might come out of the desk. It doesn’t have any handles, which would
make it impossible for someone with dexterity problems to open the drawer. These of course are
very minor details, but when you are designing for the greatest amount of people you have to
take these into account.
Svoboda 33 Personalized
Because of the lack of products available on the market, some families have resorted to
having custom furniture built. Figure 20 shows a bed build for a girl with Rett Syndrome. One
that combined the aesthetic they wanted in their home with the function required for their needs.
They had originally bought a medical/institutional bed because her disorder causes her to toss
and turn throughout the night, but she kept falling out of bed or injuring herself on the metal side
rail. As a solution they designed a bed that had walls that flip up to create a 360-degree barrier
around her. Unfortunately, they didn’t expect that the acrylic and hardwood sides of the bed still
cause harm as she tossed and turned at night. To resolve this they bought long body pillows to
act as bumpers along the sides. This is an example of the need for furniture that has the same
functions as the safe health care beds, but with sensitivity to the residential market and aesthetic.
Figure 20. Personalized Bed
Svoboda 34 3c. Identify people to speak with
The mind map mentioned during the Hear stage identified three different groups of
people to talk to about assistive technology. The first were potential users, those who use AT or
those who might be a caregiver of those who use AT. Without their insight one cannot truly
understand what is it is like to use AT, as well as what needs to change. The second were health
care professionals such as Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Assistive
Technology Professionals. As mentioned before, Occupational and Physical Therapists are great
sources for information that pertain to what type of AT is required for different disabilities, as
well as information about how to receive AT. The last group of people to talk to are industry
professionals, who in this case are furniture and interior design professionals who are well versed
in how furniture is fabricated as well as how it functions best in a space.
Potential User’s Profiles
Hunter- Age 7- Down Syndrome
Guiliana- Mother- Primary Caregiver
Riley- Age 7- Rett Syndrome
Jess- Mother- Primary Caregiver
“Around the age of 2 Riley was diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Since that time, there has
been a gradual decrease in her functionality. The near 20 words that she used to be able to verbalize
are now down to one single word, Mama. She now communicates via an eye-gaze augmentative
communication device. The hands that used to hold her own drink now can hold nothing for more
than a few seconds. She has no purposeful hand functionality. This means that she cannot feed
herself, do any personal hygiene herself, or even color a picture or write her name. She also cannot
walk a greater distance a 100 feet without support. This means that in public, she is 90% wheelchair
Svoboda 35 bound. When she is out of her chair, she has someone with her at all times. She does not know where
she is in space due to her disorder. This translates to losing her balance easily. She is timid around
thresholds, items on the floor, and change of colors on the floor. She cannot navigate stairs. She does
not have self-protective skills so if she falls, she will not put her hands out to save herself. She
cannot climb into or out of bed. She cannot stand on her own accord. Literally everything in Riley's
life is impacted by her condition.” (Jess)
Mary- Age 18- Cerebral Paulsy
“Incorporating assistive technology into residential furniture would certainly make my life easier,
especially since so much of my daily routine involves having to use furniture that just isn’t made for
me. Tables, dressers and counters are just some of the things that pose a challenge for me. For
example, the height of my dresser drawers renders me unable to reach them. In addition, tables and
desks are often too high or too low, and counters are almost always unable to accommodate my chair
and are extremely hard to get close to. If there was a way to make one’s residential furniture more
adjustable to one’s personal needs by incorporating assistive technology, I’m sure it would be
invaluable to me and many others. It would do a great deal to lessen the stress of daily life and make
it easier, not only for myself, but for those around me as well.” (Mary)
Caroline- Age 8- Confined to Wheelchair
Linda- Mother- Primary Caregiver
Health Care Professionals
Sarah Scheisser- Senior Occupational Therapist
“21 years of professional experience in pediatric occupational therapy. Currently a Clinical
Level IV therapist. Function with a full case-load as well as take on a variety of non-clinical
responsibilities including payroll, staffing, tech and volunteer coordinator, and high school intern
Svoboda 36 coordinator. Previously greater than eleven years in managerial role serving as both clinician
and co-manager for Pediatric Rehabilitation. Responsible for the core critical measures of team
member satisfaction, patient satisfaction, quality care and safety, and positive financial
outcomes. Other responsibilities include: managing team member conflicts, coaching team
members for personal and professional growth, and developing departmental growth in our
Savannah location through expansion of services and in surrounding communities through the
development of a satellite office.” (Scheisser)
Industry Professionals
George Perez- Furniture Design Professional
“George Perez has been a professor in the Furniture Design Department at the Savannah College
of Art and Design since 1996. He received his masters in Fine Arts from the University of
Massachusetts at North Dartmouth. He worked in the custom furniture and cabinetry industry
before coming to the university to teach. He has acquired numerous contacts and a diverse body
of knowledge of the home furnishings industry as he has cultivated the Furniture Design
Department's growing relationship with the industry and the American Society of Furniture
Designers in which he is an education member.” (Perez)
John Pierson- Furniture Design Professional
“John Michael Pierson graduated with an MA from SDSU in 1984. He owned and operated JM
Pierson and Company, Fine Contemporary Furniture Makers from 1984 – 1997. He taught
Furniture Design classes at Miracosta, Palomar, Southwestern, and Mesa community colleges.
His work has been exhibited and published primarily in California. His article “Bent
Lamination” appeared in the December 1995 issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine. In 1997, he
Svoboda 37 accepted a position as Professor of Furniture Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design.“
(Pierson)
Charles Boggs- Interior Design Professional
“Professor Charles Boggs received Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of
Cincinnati and his Masters of Arts in Interior Design from Florida International University.
Professor Boggs brings considerable professional experience having worked for firms such as
Gensler, dag architects, Ayers/Saint/Gross, and RTKL before joining SCAD in 2011. While
having worked on a wide variety of projects, Professor Boggs's primary expertise is within
hospitality design with an emphasis on cruise ship design. While an Associate at RTKL,
Professor Boggs worked on such notable projects as Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Allure of the
Seas, Celebrity Solstice-class, and the just released Quantum of the Seas. He continues to
consult while teaching full time in the Interior Design Department at SCAD.” (Boggs)
3d. Choose Research Methods
As mentioned earlier in part 1, individual interviews, group interviews, and expert
interviews will be used in this thesis. Individual interviews will be done with the potential users
mentioned above. These interviews will provide a deeper understanding of how important AT is
in their daily lives, as well as what they would like to see change. Individual interviews will also
create empathy for the user by putting one in their shoes, which will help make a more successful
product.
Group interviews will be done with both health care professionals as well as industry
professionals. Occupational and Physical Therapists often work in large communal areas with
their patients, and information will be gathered during one of these appointments. In addition,
throughout this process meetings with industry professionals, or thesis committee members, will
Svoboda 38 occur. Topics such as the progression of the development and fabrication of the pieces will be
discussed.
Expert interviews will be done with both Occupational and Physical Therapists
throughout the design process. They will be a good source of information pertaining to AT,
disabilities, and other medical queries I might have about my topic.
3e. Develop an Interview Approach
Before meeting with potential users for the individual interviews, a set of questions will
be prepared. These questions will start out generic, and move to be more in depth to get a deeper
understanding of the users needs and wants. Understanding that the interviews will take place at
the rehabilitation center during the child’s therapy appointment, no strenuous or difficult
questions will be asked to cause the child or parent duress. Below are the questions that will be
asked.
1) What is your name?
2) What is your diagnosis?
3) Do you use any type of AT?
4) Do you think any room in your house is more dangerous, when it comes to
furniture? Why?
5) What would you like to see change with existing AT furniture?
During the group interviews with the health care professionals, a set of similar questions
will be created. These questions however will be more broad than those asked during the
individual interviews. Below are some examples of those questions.
1) What do you think is important when it comes to furniture?
2) What would you like to see change with existing AT?
Svoboda 39 3f. Observe vs. Interpret.
Expert Interviews
Meeting with Sarah Scheisser and Kate Woodworth (Spring 2014)
- Discussed AT and current state of industry
- Discussed whether Well-Being Designed products could be viable in the market today
- Developed ideas on what is missing in the industry and what is needed for certain types of
disabilities.
Meeting with Sarah Scheisser (Summer 2014)
- Discussed different companies that manufacture AT for children.
- Specialty wheelchairs, swings, beds, bathroom essentials.
- Made plans to meet with potential users
Individual interviews (Summer 2014)
Hunter- Down Syndrome
Riley- Rhett Syndrome
- None
- Specialized wheelchair
4) Do you think any room in your house is
more dangerous, when it comes to furniture?
Why?
- Bedroom
- Drawers can potentially fall out
- Bed can be dangerous to get in and out of
Why?
- Bedroom and Bathroom
- Where she spends a majority of her time
- Dangerous corners
5) What would you like to see change with
existing AT furniture?
- Locking system on drawers
- Steps that swing up and down from bed
- Knobs
- Tactile and lock down
- Safer environment
- Moveable chair with a detachable footrest
- Bed with body pillow bumpers, structure on
all sides, and can be taken apart and put back
together easily. Steps that raise and lower so
you can easily lift child into bed.
- Shelving that can hold odd sized objects such
as medical supplies. Drawers that are easy to
open
- Desk that adjusts to different sizes of
wheelchairs
- Swing nook that provides vestibular input.
Svoboda 40 Mary- Cerebral Paulsy
Caroline- Confined to wheelchair
- Specialized wheelchair
- Specialized Wheelchair
Why?
- Bedroom
- Hard to get in and out of bed the way they are
designed
- Storage is too high to see in the drawers
Why?
- Bedroom and office
- Materials are not made for wheelchairs.
Damages easily
- Desks can’t adapt to different wheelchair
heights
- Desk any wheelchair can fit under with a
wider base and larger work surface.
- Bed that is easier to get in and out of.
Headboard and footboard for support.
- Dresser with low drawers that come out and
lift up.
- Lounge chair with footrest that makes transfer
from wheelchair to chair easier
- Desk with a comfort lip and a cuff for special
AT gear that all wheelchairs can fit underneath.
- Day bed that is height adjustable and has a
headboard that can conceal machinery.
- Storage with low drawers and an open
bookcase.
- Cloth covered wood for comfort
- Pottery Barn aesthetic
Group Interviews
Health Care Professionals (Summer 2014)
1) What do you think is important when it comes to furniture?
- Ergonomics, durability, accessibility, washability, and taking into account gross motor skills
and fine motor skills.
2) What would you like to see change with existing AT?
- Integration of footrests and seat belts on high chairs
- More materials that are water resistant and washable
- Integration of foam or padding on chairs. Provides more support for the child and is washable.
- Tables that are removable, but can be raised and lowered.
Svoboda 41 Part 4: Create
4a. Develop the Approach
Before taking the information collected throughout the Hear stage and implementing it
into designs, an approach to how to interpret the information had to be decided. Because an
empathetic design approach was chosen, the designs need to be thoroughly informed by the
information given by the potential users, health care professionals, and industry professionals.
This means that any design that is created must embody their expressed needs and wants when it
comes to function and aesthetic.
4b. Share stories
The information gathered through the hear stage will next be processed into coherent
ideas and shared with the thesis committee. These will be proposed solutions and insights that
will continue on to the next step.
Meeting with Industry Professionals (Fall 2014)
- Discussed the information gathered through the individual interviews and expert interviews
- Gathered feedback from Professionals on the next step of design process.
- Research into JPMA Certification
- CPSC- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- NIST- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- ASTM- American Society of Testing and Materials
4c. Identify Pattern/ Find themes/ Create
Framework
After all the information was gathered, another mind
map was made to find connections between the ideas give by
the potential users and health care professionals (Fig. 21).
Figure 21. Well-Being Design
Mind map 2
Svoboda 42 4d. Create opportunity areas
From the second mind map, sets of opportunity areas were discovered. The bedroom was
mentioned several times as the most important area of the home when it comes to time spent in
by the children, as well as area that the users and caregivers would like to see changed. The mind
map also identified four distinct areas within the bedroom that the potential users would like to
see changed, or had ideas of how to make them better. These include a bed, storage, desk and
swing. Specific opportunity areas within each piece also came from the second mind map. These
areas are seen below.
Bed
1) 360 Structure
2) Bumpers
3) Height Adjustable
4) Way finding
5) Steps
6) Easy access
Desk
2) Slightly raised comfort lip
3) Way finding
4) Wider base/Surface
5) Cubbies
Swing
1) Kneel
2) Straddle
3) Stand
4) Lay
5) Sit
Storage
1) Locking System
2) Customizable
3) Odd sized objects
4) Safer
5) Easy access Drawers
4f. Brainstorming new solutions
The next step is figuring out how to integrate these opportunity areas into residential
bedroom furniture while taking the universal design principles into consideration. It is
impossible to meet all seven of the principles in each piece, but taking them into account can still
ensure that the product can be usable by the greatest amount of people. Also meeting the JPMA
requirements for each piece will provide a level of safety for the product.
Svoboda 43 Bed
Function
JPMA Requirements
1) 360 Structure
2) Bumpers
4) Way finding
5) Steps
6) Easy access
Mattress retention
Mattress Support System
Mattress support system
attached to end structure
Guard Rails
End Structure
The bed design has to integrate the six functions found
during potential user interviews, which are listed above. Questions
like “how do I create 360-degree structure around the user?” and
“how do I add bumpers to provide a safe zone for the user?” have to
be answered. Beds in the health care industry as well as storage
systems from the commercial furniture industry were looked at for
inspiration for the function of the bed. Companies in the residential
industry such as Kid Kraft and Pottery Barn were looked at for the
Figure 22. Well-Being
Bed Sketch
aesthetic of the bed. All seven universal design principles were taken into account for the
brainstorming of this piece, but several stuck out as more important. Simple and Intuitive use,
tolerance for error, and low physical effort are important in ensuring the piece can be used easily
and safely for the user and caregiver. JPMA requirements such as the guardrail height, which has
to be 5 inches over the mattress of the bed and can withstand 80lbs of forward backward
pressure, and the mattress support systems were highly considered.
Svoboda 44 Swing
Function
JPMA Requirements
1) Kneel
2) Straddle
3) Stand
4) Lay
5) Sit
Stability test for preventing tip over
Test to prevent unintentional folding
Tests on restraint system
Requirements for cradle swing
orientation
Specific requirements for battery
operated swings
Unlike the other pieces, the swing does not have to meet
certain functional requirements. It has to be used as it would be
used for therapy to “engage the children while simultaneously
improving their function and mobility” (Ruge). Kneeling,
straddling, standing, lying, and sitting all create different types
of movements and sensations for the children using the swing.
The swings available in the health care and the residential
market were used as inspiration for this piece, and the
dimensions came from the average human dimensions of a
Swing Sketch
child between the after of 4 and 10. Safety was the most important aspect, so having a product
made at the same quality as ones found in the industry was desired. The prominent universal
design principles taken into account were tolerance for error, size and space for approach and
use, flexibility in use, and equitable use. The JPMA requirements to take into account are tipping
over, folding in on itself, and stability of the restraint system.
Svoboda 45 Desk
Function
JPMA Requirements
2) Slightly raised comfort lip
3) Way finding
4) Wider base/Surface
5) Cubbies
None specified
The desk is the most functional piece in this collection. In order to brainstorm how to
create a product that meets all of the functions listed above, inspiration was taken from systems
furniture desks and different ways desks are used in the computer industry. Research into the
general sizes of children’s furniture as well as wheelchairs was also done. All universal design
principles were integrated into the brainstorming of the desk. There were no JPMA requirements
when it came to desks.
Desk Sketch
Svoboda 46 Storage
Function
JPMA Requirements
1) Locking System
2) Customizable
3) Odd sized objects
4) Safer
5) Easy access Drawers
No hazardous sharp points or edges, or
small parts
• Any exposed wood part shall be smooth
and free from splinters
• Requirements for latching or locking
mechanisms and entrapment hazards
• Requirements for scissoring, shearing, or
pinching hazards
• Warning labels must be permanent
• Tests for structural integrity, dynamic and
static loads, leg openings, stability and
motion resistance
As with the desk, the storage has numerous functions that need to be addressed. Systems
furniture was the main source of inspiration for the desk. How storage pieces are assembled, as
well as different options for doors and storage components were researched. All universal design
principles were considered with this piece. The main concern with this piece was safety, so
tolerance for error and low physical effort were emphasized. The JPMA requirements for
stationary activity centers are rather extensive, so taking those into account will be important.
Storage Sketches
Svoboda 47 6) Make ideas real
Once all the information was gathered and ideas were sketched for the four pieces, the
next step was to create 3d models, scale models and prototypes for each piece. These allow a
designer to see how the pieces will look aesthetically and if they will function properly.
Bed
3D Model
1. 360 Structure: When the front of the bed is pulled
up, and the acrylic panel is pulled up it creates a 360
barrier around the user. Storage doors on systems
furniture that lift up to reveal the inside inspired this
element.
2. Bumpers: The bottom of the headboard and the
back of the front panel are coated in 1/8” thick rubber to
Figure 26. Well-Being Bed
3D Model
allow cushion if the user runs into the sides of the bed.
3. Height adjustable: The bed is designed to act as a skin around a hospital bed to all the bed to
move freely within the structure. If a traditional mattress is used, the front of the bed goes up and
down to allow the caregiver easy access to the user
4. Steps: Design details on the front of the bed act as steps so the user can easily step up into the
bed. This also acts as a barrier for if a wheelchair needs to be pulled up next to the bed, it won’t
damage the bed.
5. Easy Access: A strategically placed cut out in the middle of the front panel reveals the top of
the mattress and allows for the user to easily slide onto the mattress. This also allows handgrips
for anyone in a wheelchair who might need extra help getting into the bed.
Svoboda 48 Scale Model
The scale model helped show the
proportion of the bed to the average
size of the user. It also gave hints to
possible problems in the construction
of the bed.
Bed Scale Model
Full- Scale Mock-Up
The full-scale mock-up allows us to see if the
function of the front panel of the bed will work
properly. This also helped to see the proportion of the
size of the bed relative to an actual sized person.
Since it is most likely the caregiver who will be bring
the front panel up and down, it is important to know if
Figure 28. Well-Being Bed
Full-Scale Mock-Up
it will be able to function properly and with little ease.
Swing
3D Model
The swing is designed so that the user can straddle
and sit on the swing in the way pictured, or they can kneel,
stand, lay, and sit in it if it is flipped over. A rubber cushion
will coat each side of the swing to allow comfortable use.
Figure 29. Well-Being Swing
3D Model
Svoboda 49 The rope will be detachable from the swing to allow quick transformation from the straddle
position to kneel position.
Scale Model
Like with the bed, the scale model helped to show the
proportion of the model to the user sample as well as possible
problems with the construction. For example, the cutout on the
side of the swing has to be scaled down in order for the form to be
structurally stable.
Scale Model
Full-Scale Mock-Up
The full-scale model of the swing shows how the
swing would look in a real world application. It also allowed
for potential users to test the swing to make sure all
dimensions are right. With the help of the scale model, the
cutouts are scaled down enough to allow the chair to be
Full-Scale Mock-Up
structurally sound. It also determined that the ropes have to be
put in different locations on the chair to allow for stronger
support structure.
Svoboda 50 Desk
3d Model
1. Height adjustable: The desk is designed to glide up and
down on two acrylic discs which are turned by the
potential user or caregiver. This allows for the table to be
adjusted to accommodate any sized wheelchair.
2. Slightly raised comfort lip: A rubber bumper will be
integrated into the top of the desk to allow a comfort barrier
between the user and the desk top. The comfort will also act as a
Desk 3D Model
grabbable support bar for anyone who needs extra support while using the table.
3. Way finding: A carefully placed contrast in colors will act as wayfinding to distinguish the
table from the cubbies.
4. Wider Base: A wider base allows for a wheelchair to make a turn under the top if needed
without running into the legs causing damage.
5. Cubbies: Instead of drawers, the cubbies have the ability to swing out to wrap around a
wheelchair for easy reach.
Scale Model
For this piece, the scale model helped show how
the two acrylic discs need to be changed from oval to
circles. In the 3d model it ran smoothly, but in real
world application it would take a lot of effort to raise up
the top on the long side of an oval.
Figure 33. Well-Being Desk
Scale Model
Svoboda 51 Full-Scale Mock-Up
The full-scale model of the table allowed for potential
users to test the table to see if it functions correctly as well to
see if the heights of the table top in different positions is
adequate to meet the needs of users in different sized
wheelchairs.
Full-Scale Mock-Up
Storage
1. Locking system/Easy access drawers:
Instead of having knobs. The storage will
have a push to open drawer to negate any
possible accidental openings.
2. Customizable: With pre drilled holes. The
user can interchange the type of drawer that
goes with each cavity. They can choose
between an open shelf, a door that swings
Figure 35. Well-Being Storage
3D Model
open, and a drawer that swings open.
Threaded rods and nuts will hold the overall
structure of the piece together. This allows the user to customize where the layers go to meet
their individual needs.
3. Odd sized objects: With a larger opening in the middle of the piece, it allows for the user to
Svoboda 52 store odd sized objects that normally wouldn’t be able to be stored in a storage.
4. Safer: With the drawers opening like a door, the piano hinge will negate any chances of
drawers falling out and causing accidents.
Scale model
The storage scale model showed several
things that needed to change when it comes to the
aesthetic of the piece. The feet were changed
from walnut to maple to be more cohesive with
the rest of the design. The kind of acrylic used in
the drawer front was also changed to create a better
transition from material to material.
Storage Scale Model
Full-Scale Mock up
This mock-up showed how well someone in a
wheelchair could approach the piece without damaging
the chair or the storage. It also helped understand more
about how the drawer will function, as well as how
someone in a wheelchair can access.the content inside.
Figure 37. Well-Being Storage FullScale Mock-Up
Svoboda 53 7) Gather feedback
After full-scale prototypes were created, they were presented to both the industry and
health care professionals. From these meetings, information on what needed to be changed or
added was gathered.
Thesis Committee Meeting (Fall 2014)
Desk:
Will structure allow for knee clearance?
Wall anchor?
Injection molded nylon for stops?
Storage
How to open drawers? Into the wheelchair our away from wheelchair?
Is the cutout deep enough for a wheelchair to approach the storage?
Swing
Make sure dimensions are right so the most amount of people can use it.
How will the swing attach to the ceiling?
Can the rope be attached to the swing permanently? Remove the ability
for error.
Bed
Could it change from a bed to a daybed?
Will there be enough room between the steps on the bed front to allow
foot to come up and out and onto the next step?
Bullet catch stop in front of bed.
Health Care Professionals w/ Potential users (Fall 2014)
Desk
Make desk wider
Make cutout deeper
Can the cubbies move out as well to accommodate for a wider
wheelchair?
Swing
Can there be a strap that provides a barrier around the swing so the user
doesn’t fall out?
Storage
The threaded rod structure isn’t as imperative as the customizable
drawers.
Bed
The acrylic part on the bed isn’t important, and doesn’t look like it would
be safe for the user.
Svoboda 54 Part 5: Deliver
The main goal of the Deliver stage is to finalize designs, fabricate the pieces, and
evaluate outcomes. From the last round of feedback, several changes had to be made to before
fabrication could begin.
Bed
The final bed design took into account several of the ideas mentioned from meetings with
both health care and industry professionals. For instance, the two steps on the front of the bed
were replaced with one step, this allows the user to place their foot on the step and remove it
without any hazard from the second step. The acrylic panel was eliminated, and the front panel
now travels 7 inches to allow for 5 inches of barrier around the user as per the JPMA standards.
The last alteration was that the headboard can now be removed and replaced with another sliding
panel to transform the daybed into a traditional bed.
Desk
The overall appearance of the desk was not altered, but several safety mechanisms were
added to the design. Instead of allowing the desk to move only from 25 inches in height to 32
inches, a lock was added so that the desk could stop at points between for more functional use.
This also negates the chance of the desktop accidently falling down and injuring the user if the
acrylic discs were to malfunction. In order to allow the user to get closer to the workstation, the
cutout was offset 1 inch into the desk, and in addition the cubbies were moved outwards 1 inch
as well. This allows for the user to move left and right without running into the cubbies causing
damage to both the desk and themselves.
Svoboda 55 Swing
As with the desk, the overall appearance of the swing was not changed, but where the
ropes are attached has moved. Instead of being able to detach the rope from two different points
on the swing, the ropes will be permanently attached at one point. This takes into account the
Universal Design principle tolerance for error. By negating the chance of the knots being able to
come undone and potentially hurting the child, it allows for a safer swinging experience.
Storage
Nothing with the storage changed except for the direction the drawers swing out to the
user. Instead of the front drawer panel swinging into the user, it will swing away opening up the
contents of the drawer to the user.
5a. Identify capabilities required for delivering solutions
Understanding the capabilities needed to fabricate each piece in the collection will
determine the feasibility of the pieces. Each of the four pieces in the collection requires different
capabilities, and in this context the capabilities are materials and machinery needed. Below is a
list of the major materials and primary machinery needed, and where they can be found.
Bed
Headboard
Materials
- ½” Maple plywood
- ¾” Maple plywood
- Socket Cap Screws
- Sorta- Clear 40 Rubber
- PPG Automotive Paint
Machinery
- 5-axis CNC Machine
Hood Industries- Jacksonville, FL
Hood Distribution- Jackonsville, FL
McMaster- Atlanta, GA
Reynolds Advanced Material- Charlotte, NC
Automotive Paint and Equipment- Savannah, GA
Gulfstream Center for Design- Savannah, GA
Svoboda 56 Sideboards
Materials
- ¾” Maple Plywood
- ¼” Clear Acrylic Panel
- ¼” White Acrylic Panel
- Tee Nuts
Hood Distribution- Jacksonville, FL
E-street plastics- Rockwall, TX
Machinery
Gulfstream Center for Design
Frontboard
Materials
- ½” Maple Plywood
- ¼” Maple Plywood
- ¼” Clear Acrylic
- ½” Aluminum Rod
- Cabinet Slide
- Sorta-Clear 40 Rubber
Machinery
Storage
Structure
Materials
- 4/4” Maple hardwood
- PPG Automotive Paint and Primer
- Sorta- Clear 40 Rubber
Machinery
- Professional Woodshop Equipment
Drawers
Materials
- ½” Maple Plywood
- ¼” Frosted Clear Acrylic
- Piano Hinge
Machinery
- Vacuum Bag System
Svoboda 57 Swing
Materials
- 1/8” Bending Ply
- 1/32” Paper Backed Maple Veneer
- Eye Bolts
- Climbing Rope Clasps
Machinery
- Vacuum Bag System
Meyer Laminate- Pooler, GA
Knot and Rope- Perrysburg, OH
Desk
Desktop
Materials
- 1” Plywood
- 1/32” Paper Backed Maple Veneer
- 1” Honeycomb Structure
- 1/8” UHMW
Home Depot- Savannah, GA
Meyer Laminate- Pooler, GA
Tricel Corp- Gurnee, IL
Machinery
- Large Laser Cutter
- Vacuum Bag System
Structure & Mechanisms
Materials
- 4/4” Maple Hardwood
- ½” Steel Rod
- ½” White Acrylic Panel
- 2 3D Printed Steel locks
- PPG Automotive Paint
Machinery
- Professional Woodshop Equipment
- Milling Machine
Universal Steel- Garden City, GA
Shapeways- New York, NY
Svoboda 58 5b & c. Create an implementation timeline & Track Indicators
In order to ensure that the pieces get fabricated on
time, a spreadsheet was created to keep track of progress
(Fig. 38). The spreadsheet was broken up into four
categories; Storage, Bed, Desk and Swing. Each of these
was then broken up into sub-categories. For example, the
sub-categories for the storage pieces are the legs, vertical
pieces, horizontal pieces, drawers, and rubber components.
For each sub-category there are four sections that must be
completed; Parts, details, finished, and assembled. The
part section means that all the pieces are cut to final
Figure 38. Fabrication Schedule and
Check List
dimensions and ready to be detailed. The details include gluing pieces together, drilling holes, or
applying tee nuts or dowels. A completed finished section means that the piece has been sanded
and the chosen finish has been applied. Finally the assembled section is finished when all the
components are completed and attached together.
Svoboda 59 5d. Evaluate Outcomes
Bed
Figure 39. Well-Being Bed Step Image
The final bed design, seen in Figure 39, encompassed all of the functions found during the
interview process. The front board is height adjustable to allow 360-degree structure around the user,
while meeting the JPMA standards for heights of a bedrail by being 5 inches above the mattress. The
front board is equipped with a firm rubber step and cutout to allow easier access to the bed. It also
acts as a bumper to prevent a wheelchair from damaging the wood panel (Fig. 40). The different
colored rubber components on the front board and headboard provide comfort bumpers as well wayfinding for ease of use, as well as act as ergonomic grips for the caregiver. All 7 Universal Design
principles were taken into account for this piece, but simple and intuitive use, tolerance for error, and
low physical effort are important in ensuring the piece can be used easily and safely for the user and
Svoboda 60 caregiver
Figure 40. Well-Being Bed Step and
Bumper Element
Figure 41. Well-Being Bed Front
Board Slide Element
Svoboda 61 Storage
Figure 42. Well-Being Storage Image
As with the bed, all of the functions found through the interview process were achieved
in the storage piece (Fig. 42). The drawers are connected to the structure with piano hinges,
which allows the drawers to swing out to the user, rather than having to be pulled out (Fig.43 and
44). This allows someone in a wheelchair easier use of the piece and access to the items inside. It
also eliminates the possibility of the drawer falling out and causing harm. A push-lock
mechanism can be found inside the drawers, so there is no need for a handle, which allows
someone who might have dexterity or vision problems to use the piece easily. The open space in
the center can account for odd sized objects, and the drawers can be moved around to customize
the piece for the users needs. Rubber components, as seen in Figure 44, were added to integrate
Svoboda 62 way finding into the design, as well as act as bumpers to prevent damage of the storage. All
Universal Design principles were taken into account, but the main concern with this piece was
safety, so tolerance for error and low physical effort were emphasized.
Figure 43. Well-Being Storage Drawer
Element
Figure 44. Well-Being Storage Hinge and Wayfinding Element
Svoboda 63 Desk
Figure 45. Well-Being Design Desk Image
All the functions identified in the interview process were integrated into the desk design, seen in
Figure 45. The tabletop is height adjustable, and is able to change from 25 inches to 32 inches in
height. Either the user or caregiver achieves this by turning an acrylic handle, which is connected to
two other acrylic discs. The tabletop then glides along these two discs upwards to the desired height.
With the use of two 3D printed steel locks, the tabletop can then lock into place. The desk also
received a rubber bumper, which acts as comfort lip for the user as well as an ergonomic place for
hand support if needed. Found on the bumper, two different colored rubbers act as way finding for
anyone with a vision disability. It’s purpose is to denote a difference between where there is and
isn’t a cubby. The two cubbies are placed on either side of the user, and can turn out towards the user
Svoboda 64 for easier access to objects. Unlike the other pieces, all seven of the Universal Design principles
were strongly taken into account with the desk.
Bumper Element
Cubby Element
Swing
Figure 48. Well-Being Swing Image
Svoboda 65 The main function of the swing, seen in Figure 48, is that the user has options of how to
use the swing. They can kneel, stand, lay, sit, and straddle the swing depending on its position.
The swing is fabricated out of bending ply to achieve the shape, as well as for strength to not
bow or cave-in under pressure as denoted in the JPMA requirements. The rubber padding was
added for comfort as well as a tactile element. The rope is attached to the swing permanently to
reduce user error, but it can still easily transform from the seated to straddle position.
Rubber Cushion Element
Rope and Lock Element
Svoboda 66 Part 6: Conclusion
Well-Being design is the concept of integrating assistive technology into residential
pediatric furnishings to assist someone with a disability. These pieces have a residential
aesthetic, which goes against the medicinal and institutional aesthetic found in furnishings
provided by the health care industry, while still being able to meet the users functional needs.
The Human Centered Design process denoted three elements that have to be achieved before a
product can be considered successful: desirability, viability, and feasibility. Through feedback
and on-sight observation, this thesis proved that a Well-Being approach to the aesthetic and
functional elements of the furnishings creates a level of desirability that is missing in the health
care industry. This approach also simplifies the mechanisms required to perform the products
functional operations as well as the materials needed to created durable furnishings, making them
feasible from a manufacturing standpoint. Viability is the element of the Human Centered
Design process that cannot be proven through this thesis. For the products to be determined as
viable in the health care industry, market research and testing needs to be done by 2nd hand
organizations. The next step would to submit the pieces to the JPMA Organization to hopefully
earn approval that the products are safe for the use with children. With that being said, I am
confident that Well-Being designed furnishings can successfully develop into its own market in
the health care industry, and eventually lead the way to having more furnishings in homes that
assist the greatest amount of people.
Svoboda 67 Part 7: Appendix
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<http://www.kidkraft.com/furniture-and-decor/toddler-beds/86621>.
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Jan. 2014. Web. 7 Feb. 2015. <http://www.thehumansolution.com/uplift- -bamboostand-up-desk.html>.

Well-‐Being Design Submitted to the Faculty of the Furniture Design

Transcription

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