AbstractsEngineering

This report presents the graduation project of Rik den Rooijen, master student Integrated Product Design at the University of technology Delft. There are many people living with a disability. Most of the time, with a little effort this group of people can be taken into account while designing and arranging user environments. However, for healthy people it is often difficult to empathize with people with a disability. For this Erik van Geer developed an age simulation suit, which gives the user the opportunity to empathize with people with a disability. The assignment for this project was to improve the age simulation suit, with the focus on improving the ease of use, adjustability of simulations and improving the simulated disabilities. The current suit and context was analysed and possible improvements were identified. The main focus of the redesign was on redesigning the physical limitations. Making them easy to adjust and put on by yourself. Multiple concepts where created with different focus points: 1. Low cost, low tech and easy production 2. 3D printing, simulations 3. Advanced technology, no budget limitation The final concept consisted of concept 1 and 2 combined. The idea was to make the suit open source and thus able to be produced by anyone who is interested. The use of 3D printing and other easy production methods makes this possible. The simulations redesigned in the new suit are: • Arm reach limitation • Step size limitation • Elbow/knee stiffening Additionally new simulations have been added: • Balance disorder • Hand stiffening • Stooped posture • Reduced strength The product was evaluated with a user test. The main goal was to confirm whether or not the new suit performed better than the old suit and was easier to use. Overall the final suit has improved in every aspect on the old suit. The data from the user test was used to give recommendations for further development of the suit.