Universal design approach to analysis of physical environment for users with multiple sclerosis

The concept of Universal Design aims for the utilization of every product and environment for every individual without the need for further adaptation. The frequent occurrence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in societies has necessitated a more innovative and exploratory approach to the field of design. Many of the products and built environments encountered by individuals with MS in their daily lives fall short in terms of meeting safety and accessibility needs. It is essential to establish the correct design approach so that users with MS can meet their needs easily and safely without depending on others. In this research, the problems encountered by users with MS in their residences were evaluated within the framework of Universal Design principles, and design recommendations were stated using a sample case in Turkey. Throughout the study, accessibility challenges, mobility, fatigue and balance problems, vision and lighting conditions, climatization and noise sensitivity, and psychological issues were primarily considered. The residence of the sample user with MS was examined in detail, and an in-depth interview was conducted during the research. The difficulties and life routines of the user with MS were observed and identified. Home design solutions associated with Universal Design principles were represented so that the users with MS have safe and accessible housing regarding their physiological and psychological conditions. The highlighted proposals may contribute to architectural design to make modifications for comfortable and safe housing in related cases having similar symptoms with MS. Future research can benefit from these findings and proposals to provide innovative approaches, develop policies, and conduct interdisciplinary studies on related design issues.Peer Reviewe

User-centered design of a dynamic-autonomy remote interaction concept for manipulation-capable robots to assist elderly people in the home

In this article, we describe the development of a human-robot interaction concept for service robots to assist elderly people in the home with physical tasks. Our approach is based on the insight that robots are not yet able to handle all tasks autonomously with sufficient reliability in the complex and heterogeneous environments of private homes. We therefore employ remote human operators to assist on tasks a robot cannot handle completely autonomously. Our development methodology was user-centric and iterative, with six user studies carried out at various stages involving a total of 241 participants. The concept is under implementation on the Care-O-bot 3 robotic platform. The main contributions of this article are (1) the results of a survey in form of a ranking of the demands of elderly people and informal caregivers for a range of 25 robot services, (2) the results of an ethnography investigating the suitability of emergency teleassistance and telemedical centers for incorporating robotic teleassistance, and (3) a user-validated human-robot interaction concept with three user roles and corresponding three user interfaces designed as a solution to the problem of engineering reliable service robots for home environments

Overcoming barriers and increasing independence: service robots for elderly and disabled people

This paper discusses the potential for service robots to overcome barriers and increase independence of elderly and disabled people. It includes a brief overview of the existing uses of service robots by disabled and elderly people and advances in technology which will make new uses possible and provides suggestions for some of these new applications. The paper also considers the design and other conditions to be met for user acceptance. It also discusses the complementarity of assistive service robots and personal assistance and considers the types of applications and users for which service robots are and are not suitable

Industrial product design for elderly people in interior spaces

Thesis (Master)--Izmir Institute of Technology, Industrial Design, Izmir, 2006Includes bibliographical references (leaves:149-156)Text in English, Abstract: Turkish and Englishxiv,165 leavesThroughout the history of mankind, the aging concept has been one of the oldest and most significant concerns of all societies and individuals. In the contemporary world, increasing ageing of the population has globally created phenomena and priorities that affect life styles and world views of all people. Demographic changes show the elderly population is the fastest growing part of the world.s population, particularly in Japan, Europe and the USA. Therefore, populations become older and more disabled and these trends continue in the future. The aging process restricts the many physical and cognitive abilities of the elderly.Besides, most of elderly people continue to live their own households. Present products which for increasing aging population living alone have become inadequate to meet their changing physical, sensory and cognitive requirements during the aging process. For this reason, product design for elderly and its criteria which can be adapted to global needs of people to reach an optimal solution should be considered profoundly. Products which can respond many physical problems of elderly help them to accomplish the activities of daily living in interior spaces and act as a physical and cognitive assistive role in their lives. This study aims to examine the domestic products which are being used by elderly people in interior spaces to make daily living activities more efficient and satisfying for them and reveal the criteria to reach a solution. These products aim to improve the independently living and the quality of life of elderly people and connect them to social life

Low-Cost Architecture for an Advanced Smart Shower System Using Internet of Things Platform

Wastage of water is a critical issue amongst the various global crises. This paper proposes an architecture model for a low-cost, energy efficient SMART Shower system that is ideal for efficient water management and be able to predict reliably any accidental fall in the shower space. The sensors in this prototype can document the surrounding temperature and humidity in real time and thereby circulate the ideal temperature of water for its patron, rather than its reliance on predictive values . Three different scenarios are discussed that can allow reliably predicting any accidental fall in the shower vicinity. Motion sensors, sound sensors and gesture sensors can be used to compliment prediction of possible injuries in the shower. The integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) platform will allow caretakers to monitor the activities in the shower space especially in the case of elderly individuals as there have been reported cases of casualties in the slippery shower space. The proposed proof-of-concept prototype is cost effective and can be incorporated into an existing system for the added precedence of safety and convenience. The intelligent system is conserving water by optimizing its flow temperature and the IoT platform allows real time monitoring for safety

Toilet assistive system designed for the reduction of accidental falls in the bathroom using admittance controller

This paper suggests an assistive system for the toilet with the objective of measuring human activities and to provide intelligent mechanical assistance to help seating and standing. The project intends to develop a seating assistance as a technical aid in order to reduce accidents and falls in the bathroom. The preferred technique is human-robot physical interaction algorithms known in collaborative robotics (cobot) and adapting it to a personalized assistance technology installed on a smart toilet. First, the design of the mechanical assistance is presented. Then, an admittance controller is designed and implemented in order to help the user in a similar way as a cobot could be used. This technique could be used to assist the user and improve balance with adequate training and an adequate configuration of the admittance controller

Contributions of ambient assisted living for health and quality of life in the elderly and care services - a qualitative analysis from the experts’ perspective of care service professionals

BACKGROUND: Because of the demographic change in industrial countries new technical solutions for the independent living of elderly will become important in the next years. Ambient Assisted Living seeks to address the upcoming challenges by providing technical aids for elderly and care givers. Therefore it is crucial to understand how those socio-technical solutions can address their needs and quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to analyse the main needs of dependent elderly and to investigate how different solutions can contribute to health and quality of life. METHODS: A qualitative study design consisting of interviews with 11 professionals of geriatric care organisations was chosen. The data analysis was done by applying the qualitative content analysis by Philipp Mayring. The analysis was based on the basic principle of the bio-psycho-social model of health RESULTS: Ambient Assisted Living solutions and assistive technologies can have positive impacts on different dimensions of health and quality of life. The needs and problems of elderly can be addressed by applying appropriate solutions which influence the physical, mental and social dimensions of quality of life. There are also benefits for social care providers, their staff and caring relatives of impaired elderly. Ambient Assisted Living solutions can also be used as a facilitator for operational optimization of care services. CONCLUSIONS: Solutions for telemedicine and telecare which are connected to Ambient Assisted Living solutions will have the biggest positive impact on care giving services. Also simple technical aids can be beneficial for elderly to enhance QOL by enabling autonomy in their familiar surroundings

Design of residential environments for people with dementia and sight loss: a structured literature review

A structured literature review concerning the design of living environments for people with dementia and sight loss was conducted. Following systematic searching, thirty three items were included and quality assessed. Findings are described covering colour and contrast, lighting, fixtures and fittings, entrances and exits, gardens and outdoors. The discussion highlights the poor quality of evidence, combined nevertheless with useful suggestions for design; the tendency for literature to be fragmented; and the need for improvements in terms of study focus, study quality and an emphasis on independence and individual needs. The review was subsequently used to inform the development of design guidelines

Bath-Ambience-A mechatronic system for assisting the caregivers of bedridden people

The health of older people is receiving special attention and dedication nowadays, with the aim of increasing their general wellbeing and quality of life. Studies into different aspects of the care of the elderly have found that emphasis should be given to solving problems related to bathing in different situations and environments. In particular, it is important to develop new assistive technologies to streamline and ease the burden of a caregiver's daily tasks. Generally-speaking, in the case of bedridden patients, bathing is typically carried out manually by a caregiver, using towels, sponges, and a water basin. Nevertheless, this apparently simple task needs some precautions in order to avoid the risk of microbial infections, falls and other injuries. With that in mind, this paper presents the design of a portable washing system, called Bath-Ambience, which enables bedridden patients to be bathed efficiently without having to be moved from their position. This portable system can be installed in different situations, both in a domestic setting, and in specialized institutions, and allows the caregiver to perform the bathing tasks without compromising health and safety, thereby making it possible to offer a comfortable and hygienic procedure to patients, improving their quality of life. This paper presents the design of the portable Bath-Ambience washing system, which provides efficient assistance for bathing bedridden patients without moving them to another place. This system is mainly dedicated for integration a smart home application in to allow bathing everywhere.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio