Assistive Mobility Device Concepts

 

 

Assistive Mobility Devices

In June 2009, the College of Nursing held two brainstorming sessions with Live Well Collaborative representatives. From the meetings, a list of 20+ possible opportunities was developed. Based on feasibility and 'likelihood for success' the Assistive Mobility Device concept was selected. Our experience in a variety of health care settings consistently found patient mobility devices to be a problem & opportunity. Likewise, as patients are discharged to a long-term care facility, hospice environment or home setting, many of the mobility challenges still remain.
The objectives for this studio included:

1. Exploring new opportunities that assist an individual's ability to remain mobile.
2. Developing devices that adapt to the form needs of the user while incorporating functionality.
3. Designing elegant, stigma-free, ergonomic mobility devices.

 

Phase 1: Qualitative Research

Students participated in a simulation experience in order to empathize with patients who rely on assitive mobility devices. Students were tasked with completing tasks while using asstistive devices and (walkers and canes). These simulations were conducted to better understand the physical, psychological, emotional, social, and environmental aspects of relying on assistive devices. Students then debriefed and explained their experience, and how it made them feel.

 

Phase 2: Concept Development

The resulting solution was a cost effective system that reflected the needs of all of our stakeholders; patients, caregivers, physicians, medicine manufacturing and packaging, the pharmacies and delivery systems. We concluded that our end solution should be affordable due to limited reimbursement from insurance and Medicare.

The goal of MedMail is to create a simple, low-tech way for patients to receive and take their medication. It would deliver, organize, and assist with taking medications in a clean, clearly laid out delivery medium.

Phase 3: Concept Refinement

The final refined concepts included concept boards consisting of:

• Research section displayed key research elements and findings.
  
• Process Board consisted of the key activities conducted to bring the project to the final state.
  
• Marketing Board was reserved for displaying only top-level elements that described the final product solution. This included product features and benefits, material callouts, and conclusions
  

Full scale models were developed to demonstrate the proportions and proposed finishes to materials to be used in the manufacturing of the product.

TransForum Promotional Materials and Informational Hub

 

 

 

Cincinnati Transforum

A play on words between Transportation and Forum, the purpose of TransForum is to start a dialogue about the future of public, multi-modal transportation in Cincinnati, with a main focus of highlighting the advantages of Light Rail in Cincinnati as a means of connecting communities.

Cincinnati has a vast wealth to offer its residents and visitors. Unfortunately, this is not well known to those who have never been to the city, and even to some of the people living in the area. To many, the city seems somewhat disjointed and lacking of a meaningful organization to its many parts.

The Live Well Collaborative, in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati, embarked on a process to change this perception and to make the city of Cincinnati a more compelling city to reside in, relocate to, and to visit through a series of three, ten-week studios.

Learn more about TransForum at the CincinnatiTransForum.org.

Stage 1: Low Mobility (Open Fit)

Stage 2: Medium Mobility (Stick-Fit)

Stage 3: High Mobility (Flex-Fit)

Models showcasing gown prototype during the DAAP Fashion Show.

Hospital Gowns

The Live Well Collaborative at the University of Cincinnati conducted a Hill-Rom sponsored multidisciplinary studio in the Autumn Quarter of 2008 to explore the fundamental redesign of patient gowns and the mattress cover, with the overall goal to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. The multidisciplinary team included students from Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Product Development, Business, and Biomedical Engineering as well as nursing consultants and an advanced wound care manager.

Phase 1: Qualitative Research

Students from Biomedical Engineering used the Braden Scale to assess Pressure Ulcer Risk, we used this scale to determine that the anatomical sites for pressure ulcers are the Sacrum, Ischium, Trochanter and Heel.

 

Phase 2: Concept Development

Students focused on creating gown concepts that would benefit patients and enhance nurses' efficiency by:

• Increasing patient comfort
• Offering variety throughout stay
• Bringing the home experience into hospital
• Accommodating patient mobility
• Motivating with incentives
• One piece construction

Phase 3: Concept Refinement

Students designed gowns to help patients during three main phases of mobility during hospital visits.

Stage 1 : Low Mobility

The OPEN-FIT backless gown, paired with the GRAB-IT antimicrobial contact sheet and a mattress that reduces interface pressure while controlling microclimate is the key to avoid bed sores.

Stage 2: Medium Mobility

JUMP-FIT gowns promote movement and dignity. When the patient feels cold a nurse could provide WARM-FIT arm and leg warmers.

Stage 3: High Mobility

FLEX-FIT separates (shirt and pants) accommodate more range of motion as patients undergo physical therapy.

Students engaged in hospital simulation

Axis Tray Table Concept

Hospital Tray Tables

In June 2009, the College of Nursing held two brainstorming sessions with Live Well Collaborative representatives. From the meetings, a list of 20+ possible opportunities were developed. Based on feasibility and 'likelihood for success' the Bedside Buddy concept was selected. Our experience in a variety of health care settings consistently finds patient spaces and surfaces to be a problem & opportunity. Likewise, as patients are discharged to a long-term care facility, hospice environment or home setting, many of the space and surface challenges still remain.

Phase 1: Qualitative Research

Students actively engaged in a simulation experience in order to empathize with bedridden hospital patients. Personal interviews were also a main component of the research process. Each student interviewed up to 5 people who had prior experience using the bedside table and tray table. Lifestyle and environmental photos were collected in order to develop a vision for their target audience, the 50+ patient population. Students documented their key feedback and insights to develop their design requirements.

Phase 2: Concept Development

Students used the design requirements from the research phase to guide their initial product concepts. Several concept sketches were developed to address the problems identified during their research. These 2D concept sketches were presented to the students' original interviewees and refined based on feedback.

Phase 3: Concept Refinement

The final refined concepts included concept boards consisting of:

• Research section displayed key research elements and findings.
  
• Process Board consisted of the key activities conducted to bring the project to the final state.
  
• Marketing Board was reserved for displaying only top-level elements that described the final product solution. This included product features and benefits, material call-outs, and conclusions
  

Full scale models were developed to demonstrate the proportions and proposed finishes to materials to be used in the manufacturing of the product.

MedMail Concept Development

MedMail Final Concept

Med-Mail

The goal of the studio was to explore an integrated Alzheimer's Patient Medication Management System to increase the likelihood for the target Alzheimer's Disease patients to stay at home longer by taking the right medication. The patient population was 70+ year old women suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, living at home, with limited caregiver assistance.

Phase 1: Qualitative Research

It was our contention that medication management was one of two major challenges (nutrition is the other one) that forced these patients to prematurely leave their homes for assisted living. Taking the right medication at the right time is a necessary requirement for managing health, and maintaining a higher degree of independence and quality of life. We believed that by effectively addressing this issue, we could reduce secondary effects from taking incorrect medication.

Phase 2: Concept Development

The resulting solution was a cost effective system that reflected the needs of all of our stakeholders; patients, caregivers, physicians, medicine manufacturing and packaging, the pharmacies and delivery systems. We concluded that our end solution should be affordable due to limited reimbursement from insurance and Medicare.

The goal of MedMail is to create a simple, low-tech way for patients to receive and take their medications. It would deliver, organize, and assist with taking medications in a clean, clearly laid out delivery medium.

Phase 3: Concept Refinement

During the refinement phase the product benefits were clearly defined. These benefits included:

• Direct Delivery by Mail
• Pre Sorted
• Pre Organized
• Broken down Daily
• Mailed in weekly 'Packs'

Mikan Ball Concept Sketch

Mikan Ball Concept Final Render

Mikan Ball

During this studio, students took a trans-generational look at how water contributes to the perception and experience of health and beauty, specifically, how 50+ baby consumers seek holistic and connected ways to achieve personal health, wellness, and beauty and strongly influence the choices of their parents and children.

Phase 1: Qualitative Research

Research on bath cultures around the world; revealed a Japanese tradition of bathing with aromatic organic materials that were believed to have healing or other beneficial properties. One such additive is the Mikan, a large orange-like citrus fruit.

Phase 2: Concept Development

The Concept phase involved intense ideation sessions in which insights gained from consumer and member input were used to drive the form creation forward. Drawing on inspiration from the research, the Mikan Ball Concept would purify water and also have an aromatherapy disk to create a relaxing bath atmosphere.

The basic functions of the bath ball are to purify bath water and add an aromatherapy element to the bath "experience." A purifying agent in the form of an easy to use disc would be inserted into the ball along with a second disk of aromatherapy agents. The heat from the bath water would theoretically stimulate the aromatherapy disk and the scent would escape via the vent holes.

Phase 3: Concept Refinement

During the refinement phase the product benefits were clearly defined: establishing the concept as a response to the growing consumer desire to create a spa atmosphere within the comfort of their home, as well as providing the consumer with pure bathing water, to promote healthy skin all over. Final design cues drew inspiration from the shape and texture of the Mikan fruit