Semester 2 - The Elderly Challenge

Š Collaboration Š Communication Š Critical thinking Š Creativity Š Curiosity Š Commitment Š Confidence Š Courage Š Citizenship and ethics Š Cross-cultural understanding

1) What have you learnt?

I have learnt how to think critically, and analyze a situation and also find out more about my research. I have also learnt about how to stay task focused.

2) What are the difficulties encountered?

I encountered problems in creating the idea as well as in making prototypes

3) How did you overcome the difficulties?

I managed to find ideas around the problem

Reflection - Prototype

One of the difficulties was wether my design would be able to work, i.e clasp onto the lamp

I used other products which have a clasp to see if mine would work

I learnt about good and bad design and how to make a good prototype

Ergonomics (Product Description and Trigger)

 Product: Can opener

This product is made of stainless steel, to prevent rusting. It is sliver and black. The steel is silver, and the plastic is black. The blade is made of steel as well. There is a large handle that is for the person to turn and that will turn the blade and that will open the can.

The design considerations are the handle and the grip as they are suited to help you open the can easily

The elderly would have a problem using it as their hands may not be able to grip the can opener

Ergonomics 2

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


-------http://www.google.com.sg/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=define:+Ergonomics


5 Aspects: 
- Safety
- Comfort
- Ease of use
- Productivity/Performance
- Aesthetics


--------http://www.slideshare.net/vins049/ergonomics-automotive-presentation


A safe product would be a product that is safe to use, such as the table lamp that is clamped onto a person's desk. this would prevent it from falling too often, and thus make it safer, not just for the elderly but for all others.


A comfortable product would be a chair suited to an elderly person's back and thus allows the eldelry to sit more comfortably.


A product that is easy to use would be something like a pencil with a grip, easy to use


A product that is productive is something that does its job, for example, a pencil will write. If it does not, then its not productive

Elderly Observation 4

Today I walked around my block, and i went near block 12 near the market. the elderly from my neighbourhood like going there, and i notice they would try to make conversation with anyone. i guess this is because they must be vey bored. i guess when they talk to someone, it also makes them feel like they are not unwanted

Elderly Observation 3

Today I observed my grandmother. I asked her what are some difficulties she faces and she said that she feels immense pain in the knees when walking. She has an exercise thing which she uses every morning which makes her bend her knees, and thus reduces the pain as the body gets used to the fact that the knees have to move

Elderly Observation 2

Today I observed the elderly near block 3. they were sitting outside a mama shop, and i noticed that some of them are not able to afford suport while walking. thus they face immense difficulty walking. here is a picture of a lady trying to get from one side of a wall to another