Week 2 Visit to LifeTec

Visit to LifeTec at Newmarket
At LifeTec we were shown different aids helping users perform everyday tasks. Especially aids intended for users with physical or mental challenges were emphasized.

After a general tour we were given tasks testing physical movements (strength, dexterity, stamina, co-ordination and so on). Then we were asked to perform the same tasks using the utilities available at LifeTec. After that we were tested in tasks involving cognitive requirements (planning, problem solving, memory and similar) with and without aids. Most of the tasks were impossible to perform with one hand without and aid. However some of the aids weren't sufficient enough, such as the can-holder. Underneath there are a few images from the visit at LifeTec.

In the photo we see a custom designed chopping board, aimed to make food preparation a bit easier. the corner angle on the left let's the user cut or butter bread slices using ne hand, by pushing towards this edge. the spike on the right side is intended to hold food down, e.g. you push a potato on the spike. The grader has been mounted to the board to make it easier when grading cheese or vegetables.

This dishwasher is designed as a drawer where the opening is on top instead of on the front. This makes the interaction a lot easier, as the user does not have to bed. When in a wheelchair this is also made easier through accessibility.

The silicon bucket in this image is designed to help the user remove and place content in a kettle without having to move or lift the actual kettle. This is practical for users with reduced strength, arthritis or limited mobility.

All of these devices function as regular telephones, the only difference is enlarged buttons, number and writing for users with visual challenges. Another telephone had the option of placing images on the buttons (e.g. of family members). They would then work as speed-dial buttons, that might aid users that suffer from dementia.

We were given the task of attempting to open cans and jars, first with one hand, then with two, and then with the use of different aids designed to help users that might be challenged with regards to strength, grip, arthritis and so on. It was definitely hard to try to open cans with one hand, even with an aid. The thechnique in the image was the only one I found to work; the use of one device held against the edge of the table and surface, and another aid to pull up the ring and peel off the lid.

Here's a close up of the aid that holds cans and jars in place. The movable part clamping the can in place had to be pushed against itself by using a hand or your body. However this was not sufficient, and an awkward position to try to open the can in. This device also only worked for small cans, as the taller ones tended to tilt over the edge.

The interface on this computer was quite different. Instead of using a computer mouse, input method is changed to a sensor placed on top of the screen. The user places a small reflective sticker on a central place on his/her face (can also be placed on the frame of a pair of reading glases). The sensor pick up on the location of the sticker and translates this to an arrow/pointer on the screen. When the user moves the cursor moves accordingly. A small clamp-like clicker functions as a mouse button. The blue stick with a ball at the end of it also works as a mouse button, where the user can knock the ball with an elbow or similar if using the click button proves challenging.

A chair with a controller allowing the chair to recline to an almost horizontal position. This redirects the users weight off the seat. The pillows are also filled with air. This position makes it hard for the user to climb out of the chair, giving the chair a secondary function as a temporary 'holder' of the user if needed, therefore helping nurses or carers.

Here are several visual aids to help users remember to take their medicines. The traditional pill box with labels marking weekdays, an electronic alarm that notifies the user when to take their pills and also a wristwatch with alarm. Another item in this group was a container with an alarm that only revealed the pill relevant to the time of day, stopping the user from taking the wrong amount or pill.

Here we see Andrew in a motorized wheelchair. I tried the chair as well to try to get the same experience as a real user.

The electric wheelchair had several screens and input methods. First there was a joy stick allowing the user to navigate around. There was also a general screen attached to the left armrest, letting the user change between different modes. The first one was the joy-stick, second was the one we see in the image (this screen is attached to the armrest on the right side) where the different parts of the seat can be adjusted, angles and height, to shift what part of the body is receiving the weight of the body. The third mode was one where this screen displayed 4 arrows (right, left, forwards and backards) one was illuminated at a time. When the arrow representing the direction you wish to go is illuminated, you simply lean your head back on the headrest, thus pushing the button placed here, and the chair moves in this direction.



Here is the controls for this small electric scooter. The right stick is the gas, the left is reverse.

Here are a few custom designed kitchen utensils. The cup ha a small detector that beeps when the liquid reaches this level, as the user fills up the cup.  The plate in the center has a detachable The knife has a built in fork, allowing it to be used one-handed. The plate in the background is tilted, making it easier to scoop up soup. The cup in the background has a cut out angle on one 'side' letting the user tilt the cup more than a normal cup, thus not having to tilt their head when drinking the last bit of the content.

Shower room with taps that turn off after a certain time if the user forgets, a shower chair and space under the sink leaving room for a wheelchair.

This kitchen is designed in a way that the oven can be reached without having to bend. The door opens sideways allowing easy access.

A few customized pieces of furniture, e.g. kitchen chairs with armrests helping the user get up and into chair. On the table there is a house central alarm-system, aiding a user by automatically calling the emergency room if they fall and can't get to the phone.

This computer works as a large magnifying glass enlarging whatever text is put underneath. The user can choose a different colour contrast (e.g. black and green as seen in image) that they find comfortable to read. You can also choose column view, sentence by sentence, zoom and so on.

An induction cook top is know to aid users with alzheimers or dementia as heat is not radiating without the pan being directly on there.

This clever invention vacuums/sweeps your floors by moving around the house, using sensors to avoid walls and obstacles. pushing the button on top once, starts this process, pushing a second time makes the device return to the charger.

This bed consists of a pressure mattress, connected to an alarm, allowing a caretaker or similar to be notified if a patient leaves the bed. There is a personal alarm on the nightstand connected to a carer or emergency room. The alarm clock flashes and vibrates when it goes off to help the user detect it. It may also be connected to the doorbell so the user may easier notice the doorbell if having a hearing impairment.

Here is a collection of personal alarms in the shape of wrist watches.

Here is a selection of aids making it easier to interact with computers or phones. On the bottom (center) there is a computer mouse with a different mode of interacting, through a scrolling wheel.

Here we see a selection of key-boards that have been customized to suit different users and their needs. One keyboard might have enlarged keys that are spread out, another has all the keys laid out in a way that let's the user utilize only one hand. Color coding and similar differentiation is also an efficient visual aid.

In the background there is a harness used to aid the moving of people when strength and weight might be an issue.











Here is a general overview of a customized kitchen.
The chair in the center is used to lead on when cooking.
There were several kitchen utensils that had been adapted
to help users cook and dine, aiding the processes involved.


Underneath there is an overview over different ways of interacting with a computer, mouse, joystick and others.