#1. What have you learnt?
The elderly face a lot of problems in their daily lives that we do not really bother to notice. Almost every one of these problems can be solved with the help of innovators. I also learnt that it is easier and yet more difficult to work in a group rather than individually. It is easier as more creative ideas would be suggested and the final product will be a much better product than creating a product individually. However, it s more difficult because as a group, we would have to collaborate and work together. We would also need to communicate with each other.
#2. What are the difficulties encountered?
Some ideas I came up with are made of materials which are difficult to find.
#3. How did you overcome the difficulties?
I thought of other materials to replace those materials and also came up with other ideas that is made of materials which are easier to find.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Reflection - Prototype
1. What are the difficulties that you have encountered during the process?
It was difficult for me to come up with the design considerations and come up with a product idea that suits the design considerations.
2. How do you overcome the difficulties encountered?
I asked some of my friends for their opinions. I also did research to find existing products to see if I can work on them.
3. What are the 2 key takeaways for this lesson?
I learnt about the purpose and need for a protoype and we have to be quite detailed about our product idea.
It was difficult for me to come up with the design considerations and come up with a product idea that suits the design considerations.
2. How do you overcome the difficulties encountered?
I asked some of my friends for their opinions. I also did research to find existing products to see if I can work on them.
3. What are the 2 key takeaways for this lesson?
I learnt about the purpose and need for a protoype and we have to be quite detailed about our product idea.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)
Product:
i) Describe the product. (Appearance, Color, Function, etc)
- red and grey
- water droplet-like shape
- red part made with rubber and grey part made with plastic surrounding a hole.
- Used as a door stopper.
ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?
- easy to grip
- If the people can easily use this product
- Comfortable grip
iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?
An elderly may face difficulty using this product. They would have to bend down to place the door stopper (product) to stop the door. They may face difficulty when bending down and/or standing up. Plus, they cannot use their legs to place this door stopper because of its design.
iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post.)
The elderly can use their legs to slide this door stopper under the door. So, they do not have to bend down. Plus, there is a hole in this product to allow the elderly to hold it.
i) Describe the product. (Appearance, Color, Function, etc)
- red and grey
- water droplet-like shape
- red part made with rubber and grey part made with plastic surrounding a hole.
- Used as a door stopper.
ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?
- easy to grip
- If the people can easily use this product
- Comfortable grip
iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?
An elderly may face difficulty using this product. They would have to bend down to place the door stopper (product) to stop the door. They may face difficulty when bending down and/or standing up. Plus, they cannot use their legs to place this door stopper because of its design.
iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post.)
The elderly can use their legs to slide this door stopper under the door. So, they do not have to bend down. Plus, there is a hole in this product to allow the elderly to hold it.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Ergonomic 2
1. What is Ergonomics?
It is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. (source: mac dictionary)
2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?
The 5 aspects are safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance and aesthetics.
3. For each aspects of Ergonomics, explain with an example of a product that is designed for the elderly, how the product meet that particular aspect of Ergonomics.
Safety: Railings. The elderly can hold on to these railings to support them as they climb up to the stairs etc.
Comfort: Wheelchairs. The elderly can use this to help them move around while sitting on a comfortable seat.
Ease of use: Gentle slopes. The elderly can easily walk up these gentle slopes instead of walking up steep slopes or stairs which is more difficult for them.
Productivity/performance: Walking sticks. The elderly can use these walking sticks as a support if there are no railings. These walking sticks are also made up of a strong material which can withstand the force applied on it.
Aesthetics: Signage could be made more aesthetic by using a consistent format throughout the workplace.
It is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. (source: mac dictionary)
2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?
The 5 aspects are safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance and aesthetics.
3. For each aspects of Ergonomics, explain with an example of a product that is designed for the elderly, how the product meet that particular aspect of Ergonomics.
Safety: Railings. The elderly can hold on to these railings to support them as they climb up to the stairs etc.
Comfort: Wheelchairs. The elderly can use this to help them move around while sitting on a comfortable seat.
Ease of use: Gentle slopes. The elderly can easily walk up these gentle slopes instead of walking up steep slopes or stairs which is more difficult for them.
Productivity/performance: Walking sticks. The elderly can use these walking sticks as a support if there are no railings. These walking sticks are also made up of a strong material which can withstand the force applied on it.
Aesthetics: Signage could be made more aesthetic by using a consistent format throughout the workplace.
Ergonomics 1
1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.
Workplace 1 is messy and difficult for one to do his/her work. In this workplace, the computer is too far away from the person working and the font is too small for him/her to read. The lighting is also either too bright or too dim. The chair is also uncomfortable and there is too many things on the table which causes lack of space to do more things. However, workplace 2 is neater and it is easier for one to work. The computer is at a distance where the font would not be too small or too big. The lighting is also not too bright or too dim. Plus, the chair is comfortable.
2. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.
The preferred workplace is workplace 2. As compared to workplace 1, workplace 2 is more efficient and more work could be done easily in workplace 2.
3. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?
The table should be designed with shelves to put some things to make the table less "crowded". The lighting should be just right, not too bright and also not too dim. The computer screen should be one arm length away from one's eyes. The chair should also be comfortable for one to work. But the chair should not be too comfortable or else, he/she may feel too relaxed.
4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?
It is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. It helps the designer consider what is suitable in a good working environment.
Workplace 1 is messy and difficult for one to do his/her work. In this workplace, the computer is too far away from the person working and the font is too small for him/her to read. The lighting is also either too bright or too dim. The chair is also uncomfortable and there is too many things on the table which causes lack of space to do more things. However, workplace 2 is neater and it is easier for one to work. The computer is at a distance where the font would not be too small or too big. The lighting is also not too bright or too dim. Plus, the chair is comfortable.
2. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.
The preferred workplace is workplace 2. As compared to workplace 1, workplace 2 is more efficient and more work could be done easily in workplace 2.
3. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?
The table should be designed with shelves to put some things to make the table less "crowded". The lighting should be just right, not too bright and also not too dim. The computer screen should be one arm length away from one's eyes. The chair should also be comfortable for one to work. But the chair should not be too comfortable or else, he/she may feel too relaxed.
4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?
It is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. It helps the designer consider what is suitable in a good working environment.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Elderly Challenge - Observation 4
For the past week, I have been observing the elderly in the hawker centre and wet market in the Telok Blangah Mall. Unfortunately, I am not permitted to take any photos. Hence, I cannot show any pictures of the elderly in hawker centre and wet market. The hawker centre and wet market are quite cram. The place is usually quite wet and as the hawker centre and wet market are not fully sheltered, when it rains, the whole place would be very wet and slippery. Sometimes, it may even be flooded. The following are the good and bad points of the hawker centre and wet market.
As the hawker centre and wet market are usually wet and slippery, it is easy for the elderly to trip and fall. In addition, most people do not bother to help the elderly even if they fall. And sometimes in the hawker centre and wet market, there are children running around the place. This may make the elderly fall more often.
However, there are several parts of the hawker centre that are more elderly friendly. There are handles and railings around those areas which allows the elderly to move around easily. The spaces between the chairs at those areas are also further apart so the the elderly or the handicapped can sit in their wheelchairs when eating with their friends or family, and do not have to get off and on it over and over again which makes it less difficult for them.
As the hawker centre and wet market are usually wet and slippery, it is easy for the elderly to trip and fall. In addition, most people do not bother to help the elderly even if they fall. And sometimes in the hawker centre and wet market, there are children running around the place. This may make the elderly fall more often.
However, there are several parts of the hawker centre that are more elderly friendly. There are handles and railings around those areas which allows the elderly to move around easily. The spaces between the chairs at those areas are also further apart so the the elderly or the handicapped can sit in their wheelchairs when eating with their friends or family, and do not have to get off and on it over and over again which makes it less difficult for them.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Simple Room Design for the Elderly
This picture shows the room I have designed that is more elderly-friendly. Like most rooms, there is a table, a chair, a cupboard and a bed. A television and sofa is also included in this room. Unlike most rooms, this room has red buttons, railings and a carpet. The red button is for emergency use, for example, the elderly in this room needs help. He or she will then press this button and volunteers or nurses would come in to help them. The railings are for support, so it is easier for the elderly to move around the room. And the carpet has a slightly rough surface and it is also quite thick. The rough surface is so that the elderly would not slip and fall easily. The thickness of the carpet is so that it would be quite soft, so even if the elderly falls, it would not cause much impact to them.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Elderly Challenge - Observation 3
This week, I have been observing the elderly while they are crossing the road nearby a wet market and hawker centre. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed to be taken. Hence, I cannot produce any pictures of the elderly crossing the road. This is a brief description of that road. The road is quite wide, so the elderly would have to walk about 10-15 metres in order to cross the road. The road is also very uneven which makes it more difficult for the elderly to cross. There is also no zebra crossing, traffic light or over-head bridges. Even most of the drivers tend to be impatient. The following are a few difficulties, problems or problems the elderly face when crossing that particular road.
As the road is quite wide, most drivers are impatient and there is no zebra crossing, traffic light or over-head bridges, it is very difficult for the elderly to cross the road. It may even be difficult for people that are of a younger age to cross the road. The drivers should be more patient when people are crossing the road, especially when the elderly are crossing, if not, unwanted accidents may happen.
Another difficulty, problem or challenge that the elderly face when they are crossing that road is that the road is uneven. This may cause the elderly to trip and fall quite easily. I think that the road should be made even before major accidents/incidents happen.
As the road is quite wide, most drivers are impatient and there is no zebra crossing, traffic light or over-head bridges, it is very difficult for the elderly to cross the road. It may even be difficult for people that are of a younger age to cross the road. The drivers should be more patient when people are crossing the road, especially when the elderly are crossing, if not, unwanted accidents may happen.
Another difficulty, problem or challenge that the elderly face when they are crossing that road is that the road is uneven. This may cause the elderly to trip and fall quite easily. I think that the road should be made even before major accidents/incidents happen.
Understanding "The Elderly Challenge"
(1) Explain in your own words, the FOUR key recommendations of the report.
> Creating houses or rooms for the elderly to live or stay in. These houses/rooms would be designed specially for them to fulfill their needs.
> Modifying things (eg: lifts, walkways etc.) to make it easier the the elderly/senior citizens to use.
> Caring for the elderly. For example, the elderly who are in meed of medical attention could be brought to the eldercare services.
> Creating opportunities for the elderly. The elderly should lead balanced lifestyles and also should get involved with community activities.
(2) State ONE way that the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more elderly-friendly.
By improving the state of public walkways. For example, making the the sloped walkways less steep, making the walkways wider and locating the drains further away from the walkways.
(3) State TWO ways on how we can ensure that the quality of elderly care here in Singapore is affordable.
> The government could pay for the needs of the poorer elderly in Singapore. For example, paying for their necessities.
> The government could set up a free eldercare centre for the poorer elderly who need medical attention or just people (volunteers) to take care of them.
(4) After reading the CAI report, what do you are the THREE things that you can do, as an SST student, to help overcome these elderly challenges.
> I can teach them basis ICT skills for them to communicate online with their friends and relatives.
> I can organise community activities with the help from my teachers, parents and friends for the elderly.
> I can visit Seinor Citizens' centres and help to clean up the place or decorate it with my friends.
> Creating houses or rooms for the elderly to live or stay in. These houses/rooms would be designed specially for them to fulfill their needs.
> Modifying things (eg: lifts, walkways etc.) to make it easier the the elderly/senior citizens to use.
> Caring for the elderly. For example, the elderly who are in meed of medical attention could be brought to the eldercare services.
> Creating opportunities for the elderly. The elderly should lead balanced lifestyles and also should get involved with community activities.
(2) State ONE way that the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more elderly-friendly.
By improving the state of public walkways. For example, making the the sloped walkways less steep, making the walkways wider and locating the drains further away from the walkways.
(3) State TWO ways on how we can ensure that the quality of elderly care here in Singapore is affordable.
> The government could pay for the needs of the poorer elderly in Singapore. For example, paying for their necessities.
> The government could set up a free eldercare centre for the poorer elderly who need medical attention or just people (volunteers) to take care of them.
(4) After reading the CAI report, what do you are the THREE things that you can do, as an SST student, to help overcome these elderly challenges.
> I can teach them basis ICT skills for them to communicate online with their friends and relatives.
> I can organise community activities with the help from my teachers, parents and friends for the elderly.
> I can visit Seinor Citizens' centres and help to clean up the place or decorate it with my friends.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Elderly Challenge - Observation 2
For this past week, I have been observing the elderly in the Senior Citizens' Corner near my house, in Telok Blangah Heights. They did not give me the permission to take photos of them, so I cannot produce any pictures of what the elderly do and the difficulties, challenges or problems they face daily in the Senior Citizens' Corner. In the Senior Citizens' Corner, there is a fridge, a vending machine, a television, a few tables and chairs/benches. These are some examples of challenges, difficulties or problems they face.
As the Senior Citizens' Corner is near the playground and the outdoor badminton court, many children and/or teenagers walk, roller blade, cycle, run, skate, etc. through the Senior Citizen's Corner. Some of them even play soccer, catching, etc. in the Senior Citizens' Corner. These actions may cause the elderly to fall easily. And there is no one around to help them, so if they fall, it may cause major injuries.
Another challenge that the elderly face is that the television is too high up (the television is very close to the ceiling). And because the area is quite small, the elderly would have to look up in order for them to watch TV. This may cause their necks to ache.
Also, the Senior Citizens' Corner is quite small and there is quite a number of furnitures. So, the elderly do not have much space to walk around. And if they happen to fall, they made hit/knock against something.
One good thing about the Senior Citizens' Corner is that the floor tiles are not really smooth. So, if there is no one around, there is a low possibility of the elderly falling down. However, if they did fall, and land on the rough surface, they may get injured quite badly.
As the Senior Citizens' Corner is near the playground and the outdoor badminton court, many children and/or teenagers walk, roller blade, cycle, run, skate, etc. through the Senior Citizen's Corner. Some of them even play soccer, catching, etc. in the Senior Citizens' Corner. These actions may cause the elderly to fall easily. And there is no one around to help them, so if they fall, it may cause major injuries.
Another challenge that the elderly face is that the television is too high up (the television is very close to the ceiling). And because the area is quite small, the elderly would have to look up in order for them to watch TV. This may cause their necks to ache.
Also, the Senior Citizens' Corner is quite small and there is quite a number of furnitures. So, the elderly do not have much space to walk around. And if they happen to fall, they made hit/knock against something.
One good thing about the Senior Citizens' Corner is that the floor tiles are not really smooth. So, if there is no one around, there is a low possibility of the elderly falling down. However, if they did fall, and land on the rough surface, they may get injured quite badly.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Elderly Challenge - Observation 1
For the past week, I have been observing my grandfather whenever I visited him at his house. My grandfather does not allow me to take any pictures of him, so I cannot show any photos of his daily routines and the problems or difficulties he faces everyday. He lives in a terrace house with my aunt, two of my uncles, my 1 year old cousin and their domestic helper. They have three miniature schnauzers as pets. The following are some of the challenges he faces at home.
As he lives in a terrace house, he has difficulties in climbing up and down the stairs. He would usually refuse to allow his domestic helper to hold on to him. So he would hold on the railings at the side of the stairs with his domestic helper standing at the side watching him carefully, making sure he does not fall.
Another challenge that my grandfather faces is that he has difficulties walking around the house because the three miniature schnauzers would be running around the place and the floor tiles are quite slippery.
As he lives in a terrace house, he has difficulties in climbing up and down the stairs. He would usually refuse to allow his domestic helper to hold on to him. So he would hold on the railings at the side of the stairs with his domestic helper standing at the side watching him carefully, making sure he does not fall.
Another challenge that my grandfather faces is that he has difficulties walking around the house because the three miniature schnauzers would be running around the place and the floor tiles are quite slippery.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Personal Reflection (NEWater visit)
1. What are the 3 key takeaways from today’s visit?
The 3 key takeaways are :
(1) how water is cleansed
(2) 4 different machines are needed to cleanse the water and how each of them work.
(3) the 4 different sources of water in Singapore
2. Name 2 concepts that you have learnt today during the visit.
The concepts are :
(1) it takes time for the water to be cleansed but it needs to be clean enough for drinking
(2) the machines have very small membranes to cleanse the water
3. What is the 1 interesting thing that you have learnt today?
Water goes through many machines to be cleansed before it is sold to the public to drink.
4. What are the things that you can do to help with water conservation in Singapore?
I can help by :
- starting the washing machine when it is full and not when it's half-full.
- turn off the tap when not in use
- flush the toilet only after use
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Photography - people
This is a picture of Nur Nadiah and Casandra in the school canteen with Justin in the background on the left. In this photo, Nur Nadiah and Casandra has a fake smile. It shows that they were unwilling to take this photo.
This picture shows my friends, Casandra and Nadiah, having fun in the canteen of SST.
This is a picture of Casandra taking a picture of Nur Nadiah and Nadiah.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Definition of Theme-Environment
"An indoor or outdoor setting that is characterized by the presence of environmental art that is itself designed to be site-specific. The circumstances or conditions that surround one; surroundings. The totality of circumstances surrounding an organism or group of organisms."
Sources :
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/environment
http://www.answers.com/topic/environment
In short, an environment characterizes any kind of setting in a specific way. An environment is also something which surrounds every organism, dead or alive. Everything around us is the environment. We all live in different environments.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Lesson 1-introduction to ADMT(personal reflection)
As you can see, without art, design, media and technology, the whole world would be plain and dull. In oder for the world o be full of life, joy and colours, there has to be ADMT!!! =D
What does ADMT mean to you?
To me, it means designing digital art.
What are the attitudes that an ADMT student should have?
An ADMT student should be responsible and neat.
What are your aspirations as an ADMT student?
My aspiration is to be more creative and innovative.
How do you think you can achieve your aspirations?
I should be involved in every project or task and try to improve on the work.
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