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operating a device blindfolded - what helps & what hinders

empathy I - designing in the dark

“fabrics are misleading, I couldn’t tell which was the chair.”

“I was concentrating too hard on touching to hear”

“too much air (circulation & noise) in the room made it hard to hear and smell things.”

“I could tell where I came from because of the sounds outside when I came in.”

blindfolded role-play exercise to deliver a gift goal: to reduce visual cue dependence & practice observational skills

• she partially memorized her steps on exiting• her steps were small she used the edges of her feet

andhandsaswayfinders• she seemed intimidated, second guessed herself

several times & clutched the package• she made herself compact & looked downward• shefeltfortextureasidentifier,smoothforglass,

dimpled for walls, soft for fabrics

72 hours spent with systemic lupus erythematosus

• lifting arms & legs became increasingly hard• easily fatigued & energy

sapped by simple tasks• became increasingly introverted

while focusing on physical occurrences• had to prioritize tasks due to lack of energy• pain constantly distracted me and I found it

difficulttobesocial-wantedtostayindoors!• people became impatient with my slowness

gettingonthebusbecauseI‘looked’fine• found myself frustrated/down trying to do things

working with a partner, a list of symptoms & text alerts, I spent 72 hours emulating what it might be like living with Lupus

• 5-8 symptoms occurring at once• symptoms came as random text alerts• symptoms ranged in duration & overlapped• leukotape (strapping tape for injury) used to tape

joints, restrict movement and simulate stiffness• addedlayerstosimulateheatflush&skinirritations• ice packs used to simulate cold & numbness• TENS unit worn with 4 movable leeds on varying

settings to simulate pain, tingling and numbness

ice used to simulatecold/numb extremeities

TENS on high pulse tosimulate pain/spasm

1.5-2 lb weights onhands and feet

text alerts to add random symptoms

stairs, curbs & lifts weretiring&difficult

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empathy I - 72 hours

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operating a device blindfolded - what helps & what hinders

empathy II - designing in the dark

• soft fabric texture on top of pads vs the gel side give a

clear indication of how to orient the electrodes for placement

• althoughrecessedfingertabswereeffectiveforgrabbing and opening doors/lids, recessed dials aredifficulttolocate,reachandoperate

• textured grooves on the knobs indicate gripping and turning, clicking indicates start of turn cycle

• the rounded, protruding display feels more like a decal than a standard recessed digital screen

evaluating a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to identify non-visual cues that effect its operation

• tabs indicate panels that can be moved or opened• textured sides feel confusing and serve no purpose• buttons arranged vertically vs. horizontally clearly

indicate up/down settings apart from modes• a grooved downward facing arrow indicates

direction to press to open battery compartment• beltclipislarge,easilyidentifiableandusable

recessed jackseasily felt

soft rubber buttons for pressing

recessedfingertabs for grasping

grooves indicate pluggrips & joining areas

flatareasindicatefingerholds

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design considerations for autoimmune disease - lupus sle

profile & statistics

“Over 2,000,000 North Americans have a form of Lupus”

• 70%ofthisfigurearepeoplewithsystemicLupus(SLE)• 9/10 People with lupus are women in their childbearing years• morepeoplehavelupusthancerebralpalsy,cysticfibrosis

and multiple sclerosis combined• lupus can effect the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous

system/brain, musculoskeletal system, eyes, and the skin.

• age: 15-50 • gender:90/10 Female to male ratio• income: varies considerably• skills: basic computer knowledge,

novice to intermediate internet user• ethnic origin: varies. North American,

African American, Latin American, Asian, Native American

• language: varies (English focus)• education: high-school and above• size: small female to average male)• strength: average/variable (see next)• design factors: arthritis-like

symptoms,joininflammation/musclepain, numbness, and sensitivity

• possible neurological factors (Lupus ‘brain fog’) may include:impaired abstract, concentration & reasoning skills), short-term memoryloss,difficultyfindingwords,confusion, impaired recall, depression and anxiety

• motivation: average to high motivation to self monitor

• psychological: introspective & focused on daily physical needs/limitations

• environment: potential design environment is for use indoors, in the home, the workplace, while traveling and outdoors in fair conditions

Visual Design Briefimperative criteria:

• chart/log health issues/symptoms• simple and convenient to use• easily understandable• record data quickly/easily• universal/accessible to wide

number of users• usable for mild to moderate arthritis

& chronic pain• data can be shared with doctors• should be light/non-cumbersome• if wearable must be soft enough

for Lupus sensitive skin

secondary criteria and considerations

• trackfactorsthatpotentiallyinfluence flare-ups(knowntriggersandstressors)

• allowforreflectionofactivity• allow users to visualize data • tool allows for customization• chart symptom locations• use/integrate with existing tech• inexpensive/cost effective for patients• potential reminder system

optional criteria or considerations:

• track medications/effects• healthy living reminder system• improve mood/manage stress• incorporate relaxation• provide tips & information• connect to Lupus community• wearable component

objective: “ to develop a self care tool for people with Lupus SLE for charting, tracking & communicating individual health status ”

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bobbi kyle 3rd year industrial design - emily carr university

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existing system innovations for healthcare

systems design + assistive medical

Librestream onSite mobile field consult camera/transmitter

• augmentative adapted interface between medical professionals

• rapid access to medical knowledge• enables treatment in remote places• is an active visual, tactile & auditory

system of information exchange• a blend the holistic & technology

GE Vscan mobile 4D ultrasound tool for rapid diagnosis

• simple, discreet• powerful diagnostic tool• functional & augmentative• convenient, pocket sized• intuitive & tacit for the user• beautiful change in technology• audible & tactile feedback• direct interface enables mobility

GE Quietcare monitoring for independent senior living

• unobtrusive & noninvasive sensors installed around the house

• blends in to the environment• sensitive and attuned to the user• caring, humane monitoring• movement/activity triggered

indirect interface - switch access• learns behavior, simple yet resonant

GE I’m Expecting Medhelp mobile reporting app for pregnancy

• augmentative self care• tracks stages of pregnancy• communication/reporting tool• fast functional & convenient• provides information access• provides resource access• both a direct and indirect interface• enables remote health monitoring

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meet elly my co-creator

primary co-creator

warm creative lady in her 50’s

• loves cats• enjoys gardening• is a great organizer• works in merchandising• loves to read books• collects beautiful rocks and stones• loves lakes/ocean and the beach• enjoys the study of ancient secrets• considers herself to be spiritual• seeks balance & health

diagnosed with SLE in her 30’s

• moderate symptoms

• ‘lead blanket’ fatigue• muscle and joint pain• severe photosensitivity• random chronic pain & RA• hypothyroid = low energy levels• wrist/hand soreness & stiffness• prone to headaches from stress• easy skin irritation & inflammation• raynauds & irritable bowel syndrome

“ it’s taken a lot of trial and error to start living healthy with lupus ”

“ it feels like my legs weigh a ton ”

“ talking to doctors about symptoms is hard ”

“ people usually dont understand ”

“ I get instant headaches from stress ”

“ sometimes it’s hard to tell where the pain

is coming from ”“ I have to prioritize

my activities”

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can existing fad technology be used for deploying medical applications with more significant health applications?

possibilities for integration

Withings blood pressure monitorhome care system

• oscillometric cuff• sends data to iphone app• utilizes app to relay info to doctor• enables history & reflection• blood pressure is most accurately

taken in relaxed environments such as in the comfort of home

Jawbone UP fitness & activity tracking for health

• accelerometer• bluetooth connectivity• waterproof to 1 meter

“ we make too many things geared towards making healthy people healthier... there has to be a more noble application ”

Motorola MotoACTV fitness tracking

• gps, fm radio, wifi• accelerometer, media player• bluetooth sync & connectivity• data/stat uploading

NIKE fuelband fitness & tracking & encouragement

• 3 axis accelerometer• light sensors, led display lights• bluetooth connectivity/data transfer• water resistant

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survey & questionnaire data

Survey questions & comments

• how important it is to track lupus symptoms?

• do you currently use any means of tracking disease progression?

• what information should be logged?

• what method do you use track?

• how often would you like to input information?

• would a reminder system be a helpful component?

• which would be the best delivery method for a tracking system: an app, a website or a computer program?

“ it’s taken a lot of trial and error to start living healthy with lupus ”

“ a reminder to save energy or help relax would

be very helpful ”

“ I use lists but because of my memory loss I forget them ”

“ I should track info whenthings occur but I forget or don’t have paper handy ”

“ It’s critically important to keep track of the disease ”

“ I track regular blood tests as well as physical &

mental state ”“ flexibility for recording

information is key ”

visual researchthe following imagery is selected from random and organized image searches based on keywords related to my area of design interest including:

• lupus• touch health• lupus support• medical design• wearable medical• communication• wearable electronics• health wearables• support systems• uplifting wearables• uplifting jewellery• reminder system• relaxation tool• wearable reminders• cuffs & bracelets• medical apps• health apps• wearable health devices• beautiful tech• safe alert• life journal• activity tracking

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bobbi kyle 3rd year industrial design - emily carr university - public domain image search for research

research

examples of tacit, abstract and arbitrary research & play

• examining the butterfly association to the malar rash associated with lupus SLE

• exploration of the butterfly shape representing balance and fragility in contrast to ‘lupus’ which is greek for wolf as the disease was named after

• experimenting with ‘spots,’ dots and discoid marks associated with skin symptoms

• evaluating connective concepts imagery, and things that run together such as ribbons, streamers, feathers and lines

• mapping ideas with these impressions

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thelupus connection bobbi kyle - emily carr university

images collected, connected, posted, & reposted in onlinealbums (via pinterest) by:

• men with lupus• women with lupus• family members• personal blogs• organizations• support groups• researchers

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initial concepts for application-based lupus SLE support systems

assistive + concepts

Data Visualization Add-on

possible add-on to convert data input to visual graphs for quick reflection weekly and monthly

hindsight + foresight = insight

Flare-up Prevention Tool

provides the user with a simple touch application for self monitoring SLE stressors such as:

• amount of sunlight• personal stress levels• amount of sleep nightly• moods and emotions• exercise and relaxation

Medication & Task Reminders

provides the user with reminder tools for taking medications & performing daily tasks:

• task & appointment alerts• settings for repeat reminders• audible medication reminders• quick-notes & task list• integration for vibrating wearable•

Medical Symptom Tracker

provides a simple visual tool for quickly tracking symptoms for communication to health care professionals

• logs symptoms by area• asks user to rate severity• communication/reporting tool• allows for data backup/download• printable reports for doctors

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linkbobbi kyle

mapping out support connections of SLE patients

support system analysis

System observations:some small support system bubbles existhealth/symptom tracking and communication lack supportthe patient has to personally seek out all connections with limited energy

lupus patient

rheumatologist

family doctor

immunologist

family

environmentalfactors

community

patient providedinformation

counselling

organizations

support groups

research &information

medications

other specialists other lupuspatients

symptoms connect

connect

connectresearch

connect

research

forumsnetwork

connect

symptoms

reminders

selfmonitor

connect

symptoms

symptoms

symptoms

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hindsight + (improved) forsight = opportunity for insight

bobbi kyle

mapping out a new pocket for effective design

indentifying areas for system support

design opportunity:a system to create & mediate these

connections

lupus patientself management

environmentalfactors

patient providedinformation

research & information

patient providedinsights

other lupuspatients

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forumsnetworks

symptoms

selfmonitor

sketch models

playful app-sketch components to plan and manually test:

• wireframes• usabillity• application flow• link analysis• app functions• menu arrangement• potential features

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loop-up co

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topen system for

future tech integrationlogging symptoms by

area with pinpoint markingpotential for soundor vibration alerts

symptoms translatedto trackable data

visual reflection toolsfor meaningful insights

connect & shareinsights with community

customizablemedication log

display or uploadthe data for your doctor

an remote support system for people with lupus

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comments & evaluation fe

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ckpre-populate common medication

information for easy input

“this could work for many different conditions”

integrate medical forms for convenience

consider opening project scope to include other conditions

keep the medication logfunction but keep it simple

provide electronic alternative to mail-in coverage forms

feedback from the folks at GF Strong Rehabilitation Center

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