The Project

We started the project in phase 1, by analyzing the impairments and disabilities of our participant by having online and physical meetings, where we got to know their daily struggles, routines and disabilities. We had some trouble with this because communication is also a struggle of the participant, due to the disability. This resulted in the difficulty of including the participant in the Co-Design process to make decisions, eventually slowing it down. During phase 2, we had mail contact, one online and one physical meeting. The mailing was the basis for fast and short communication which had a big impact on formulating our final design challenge. The online and physical meeting helped to fully define the problem and subsequent solution. We came up with several solutions to the problem at the end of phase 2 and included the participant with our research and studies. This enabled us to compose the five concepts.

Due to a lack of time which resulted in not being able to meet with the participant soon enough, we had to make the important decision of choosing the final concept without the Co-Designer. To have as much knowledge involved, we did include our tutor for this decision. Most of the concepts had the potential to work, but we felt some of the concepts would have some big downsides. Therefore we made a pros and cons list for all concepts. On top of that we created a table to see which concept was best in line with the requirements. Overall, we do think that our collaboration went well. Despite the fact that the participant has trouble communicating, and the fact that we did not have time to visit every week due to the traveling time, we found a way how Co-Design works with our participant. Furthermore, task division was effortless, everyone completed the tasks on time, and everyone's strength was utilized. Overall, we look back on a fun and educational project.

The Product

Market research has been carried out to determine what products and mechanisms for opening and closing products already exist, as well as which components could be a useful addition to the concepts. Many mechanisms have been considered and detailed thought has been given to what could potentially work and what would not work for the participant. The final design of the mechanism was based on the co-design results from phases 1 and 2, and an existing mechanism, which was modified to the demands of the participant and based on the co-design results from phases 1 and 2. The design is based largely on (sometimes estimated) conclusions of what might work best for the participant.

The final product's mechanism was modeled and 3D printed and the product's overall appearance was made out of foam. A fully functional prototype could not yet have been created and physically tested with the participant before the deadline of this report. Overall, we are pleased with the end result of our final product up to now. As we had not the opportunity to evaluate the final product with our co-designer, we assumed that the product would provide the participant more independence and help them overcome some of their daily challenges. However, in order to be certain, the product should be thoroughly tested. Therefore, we created a user study test plan, which you can find below.

User Study Plan

A usability test is required to ensure that the product is of good quality and compatible. The purpose of this plan is to explain the steps that need to be taken to carry out this test. There will be several aspects researched during this study, which are; functioning as intended, meeting the needs of the participant, and efficiency. We will use usability testing to assess the effectiveness of our design. Using this method, we can identify usability issues that our end users may encounter. As we were unable to conduct the product test plan with the participant, this plan should be viewed as a guideline for how the evaluation should be conducted.

Research question

To what extent is our design user-friendly for our end-user?
To what extent is the end-user's understanding of the design's functionality?
To what extent can the end-user operate with the product?
To what extent does the end-user have to use their fine motor skills?
To what extent does the end-user operate the product with their fingers?
To what extent does the end-user operate the product with their palm?

Sub-questions

How far does the product assist the participant's independence by helping them to open and close containers with twist caps which contain liquids?

Throughout the project, we have established some product requirements based on research, interviews, and co-design sessions with participants. These can be used to assess the product's success.

The Plan

To begin, we would give our participant a brief introduction. In the introduction, we briefly explain how the use of the product is intended and inform them that they will be asked to complete a number of tasks and afterward answer a few questions. We will make it clear that they are not required to complete these tasks on the first try. After that, we'll show them a variety of bottles with various lids and sizes that they use in their daily life.

Then we begin with the activities and questions from the following list. We will be observing and taking notes while our participant completes the tasks. We will ask the participant for their overall comment on the device, how they feel after conducting this evaluation, and if they are satisfied with the end product once they finished all activities. Finally, we thank them for their participation and help during this evaluation and the final product.

Testing the Product

Explain to the participant how to use the product
Show how to do it first (make clear there is no good or wrong, maybe the participant prefers to use the tool in a different way)
Make clear that it is not required or assumed that the participant manages to open all twist caps in one try, as this is only a first prototype
Display the various types of unsealed containers with twist caps
Position all containers on a table or kitchen counter
Leave space in between to enable the participant to open
Ask the participant to open the twist caps, using the product
Ask the participant to close the bottles, using the product
Observing how the participant uses the product

Testing the Design

Which of the style collages (display a style collage) are part of the final product's appearance?
Is the design to the liking of the participant?