Reflection for Semester 2-The Elderly Challenge

What have I learnt? 

I have learnt a lot of things, like 

Work safety; ensuring that people around me and I do not get hurt by some accidents they could have been prevented

Technical skills; like basics of drilling a hole, using a penknife, using glue gun, etc. 

How things are pieced together; the modelling part really makes me think, how does it work or even assembled together. Sometimes it reminds me that I need to observe how things work, especially complex mechanisms. How the parts are fitted so perfectly together is a question I see in every mechanism I come across. 

Managing a journal; the fact that it is used to document a process, the design process.

What difficulties have you encountered?

I have encountered many difficulties, like

How to raise the platform?

How to activate the lift?

What if the stick in between the lift is longer than expected and pokes the side of the basket?

Is the platform able to support some load? 

How heavy can the platform/lift support?

How do you overcome them?

By doing some measurements of approximately how heavy are a few cans of food

E.g   3kg approximately

By doing some research and seeking help from people who have some background knowledge of technical stuff/engineering

Reflection - Prototype

1. Some problems I encountered is when Kai Chek told me that in order to raise the scissor lift I need a hydraulic system which would require a huge amount of space. I was initially quite puzzled and worried that my product is not feasible. Other than that there must be some allowance of space for the scissor lift to fold and the motor to reside.


2. I did some research and found out that scissor lifts can also be lifted using pneumatic (air) ways or mechanical (motor/battery) ways. For the second problem I need to reserve some space for the scissor lift to fold and the motor. So in my design considerations I will need to include that.


3. Two key takeaways for this lesson is the use of qualitative or quantitative testing for the prototype. The other takeaway is regarding the design considerations. Creating the prototype will allow us to have a deeper view of the difficulties or considerations about the product.

Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

2 i) The product is named the Elegant Smart Holder. This product is designed to hold stuff that do not have hooks to hang it on the wall. So this product has two rubbers clips that can secure an item in place. This product can be used to hold brooms, mops, etc. It is especially useful when the broom is too bulgy but needs to be used everyday; the broom can be hung there using this product. The product appears to be copper with rubber clips. It has a adhesive tape behind it. 

1. If the rubber clips are able to secure the item without it dropping
2. Yes, the product is too small to grip. 
3. We can install hinges on the arms to let it move freely, allowing the arms to open wider. There are also locks to secure the hinges. 

Ergonomics II

Q1. Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their environment. So ergonomically designed products are specifically designed according to certain human postures or anatomy.

Q2. The five aspects of Ergonomics are: comfort, aesthetics, safety, ease of use and productivity.

Q3. Comfort: A seat which has been designed with orthopaedic and ergonomic considerations in mind. It will improve posture and comfort in a variety of locations. i.e. the home, office or car. The two piece seat is contoured and moulded to give firm and shaped lumbar support. it is easy to adjust to ensure that the backrest curve is always at the correct angle. Covered in a quality beige fabric. A hand grip has been built in for ease of carrying when folded. This seat provides the user to feel comfortable when taking a rest, therefore it is linked to comfort. 

Aesthetics: This Alessi corkscrew has obviously been designed to be more than just a corkscrew, but it is extremely functional as well. This product is both practical and creative. 







Safety: The Handybar inserts into the U-shaped striker plate on the vehicle doorframe. The U-shaped striker plate is one of the strongest parts of the vehicle, designed to keep the door closed in the event of a side impact collision. There is a striker on each of the vehicle's door pillars, the Handybar can be used on driver or passenger side doors. The product helps the elderly to get out of the car safely, therefore this product belongs to the safety category. 



Ease of use: This product is a reacher for seniors with less strength to grip things. The whole jaw surface is lined with durable rubber for good friction making it very easy to operate reacher. The jaws are adjustable in two positions. This means the reacher can be used both horizontally and vertically without having to rotate the arm. The reachers have a magnet at the end of the handle to pick up small metal objects. The Aktiv range of products has been designed specially for people with reduced strength in arms and hands. These reachers are designed to protect and relieve the strain on muscles and joints, giving the user an improved sense of well-being. This product allows the user to grip things that he is too weak to handle, therefore this product belongs to ease of use. 


















Productivity: The handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, so most aches and pains are eliminated. As some elderly want to personalise their houses or accessories, these brushes will improve the productivity of their work. 

Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand.

Finest push-chisel Polyester-Nylon bristles.

White polypropylene handle.

Hanging hook on paint brush.

Ergonomics I Question 4

Group responses for question 4:

Lai Ziying: It is important because the work efficiency of the environment will affect the economy growth of the company. It will also affect one's health and the company's dynamics.

Bryan: Better productivity

Kai Chek: Allow the workers can work longer, produce better quality of work

Jianhui: Ergonomics is important because it can affect the worker's attitude towards going to work. They feel good and comfortable.

Ergonomics I

1. The first workplace is very messy, and the table is not organized well such as not enough space. The second workplace is well managed, clean and tidy. The first workplace seems to irritate the person who is using it, while the second workplace gives the person working there a very tidy and organized feeling (they feel good working there).

2. The second workplace is preferred. The second workplace is tidy and well suited for long periods of sitting there. The desk is very spacious. The other workplace is cramped and messy.

3. The tidy workplace makes a person feel very comfortable due to ergonomically designed products. Ergonomic studies means the study of people's efficiency in their environment. Therefore the person will feel very comfortable because the products are strategically designed to suit the person's postures.

4. Ergonomics is important because it can affect the worker's attitude towards going to work. They feel good and comfortable.