Overview
Date
January - June 2020
Skills
Python, Rapid Prototyping
Software
Visual Studio Code, SolidWorks, Adobe XD, KeyShot
Grade
1st
Collaborators
Ted Kane, Premal Gadhia, Jack Poultrak
Role
Video renders, cane foot and extension mechanism, interviews
'Oria is a smart digital companion in which smart home controls are accessible via an inclusively designed user interface. It uses haptic therapy to relieve symptoms of cogwheel rigidity and improves mobility. Oria is multifunctional, integratable into a cane, and used independently from the cane.'
What is Oria?
Oria is the first concept on the market to physically adapt to the stages of the user's condition through cane integration. It differs by combining many of the functionalities found on existing products into a single handheld package. The device is also the first inclusively designed smart home remote; minimal decisions are presented to the user at each step making the device more intuitive when compared to smartphones. The tactile interface (giving the user distinct feedback and increased affordance) is unique to Oria and is a more mechanically simple approach than Tactus Technology.
How it works
A touch screen overlayed with a TPU membrane provides the benefits of both physical buttons and a dynamic interface. The device is equipped with 4 vibration motors that produce the haptic therapy as well as haptic feedback on button presses. The degradation of the disease is measured by logging the frequency of tremors through an integrated accelerometer and gyroscope. These sensors are also able to display the severity of the daily symptoms to the carer. A GPS module allows the carer to identify where the sufferer is at all times and an emergency hotline allows the sufferer to call the carer directly when in need. The carer is able to remotely set up prompts and reminders that appear on Oria in the form of notifications, and track task completion. Oria is docked via neodymium magnets, a double relay circuit allows bidirectional power transfer either to the vibration motor in the cane or from the charging dock.
Inspiration
We gathered from close friends that as symptoms worsen, sufferers become more dependent on their families to act as carers. We saw potential in smart home technology to provide independence to sufferers, however, complex interfaces are making this technology inaccessible for senior users. Speech degradation also makes voice assistants difficult to use. After having conversations with Parkinson's sufferers, it was apparent that they are aware of their condition worsening. They accept that they will eventually need a cane with them permanently. By integrating into a cane, the transition is less daunting and Oria will always be at hand.
Research
Once we established the surface level insights associated with PD, close contacts with first hand experience were interviewed. We reached out to The Cure, Parkinson's Trust UK, and set up focus groups identifying a multitude of insights; from metronomic counting being used to improve mobility, to the effects of social isolation that can be inflicted on the carer. We decided a “digital companion” with cane integration would best address the insights. Oria’s multifaceted nature required a holistic design approach. There were 3 key areas of design; the physical form, the user interface and technical execution - influencing one and another in an iterative cycle. Foam models were used to test Oria’s form with vastly different hand sizes, verifying single hand operation for all. The UI was prototyped in Adobe XD where we simulated and tested iterations with older demographics until we came to the most intuitive solution. Tremor measuring and logging was validated using a prototype board and Matlab - clarity was improved by adding a complementary filter. Conductivity through the membrane was tested with molded silicone over a touchscreen, however TPU offered better transparency.
User Interface
We tested our UI designs with older demographics to help consider
the optimum button affordance, including the app and oria pebble
interface. Crucially a symbiotic relationship between the UI and
buttons had to be achieved.
the optimum button affordance, including the app and oria pebble
interface. Crucially a symbiotic relationship between the UI and
buttons had to be achieved.
Testing
Manufacturability was ensured through draft angle analysis and mechanical feasibility through FEA.
FEA: Top - Spring Button Mechanism (FOS, Displacement), Bottom - Base (Life cycle, Displacement)
Packaging Consideration
The packaging carefully considered compliance markings, which were featured on the battery, casing, oria pebble, charging doc, adaptable cane and packaging. This included reference to the components' characteristics, disposal and CE markings.
Compliance Consideration
The Oria pebble, cane, and charging dock, were designed to allow the assembly of electrical components safetly and easily. This included CE markings, disposal, appropriate BSI standards, and location of production details.
Video Renders
Oria - Ethan Chow, Ted Kane, Jack Poultrak, Premal Gadhia (2020)
Exploded Oria Views (2020) - Ethan Chow
To see the final presentation, click here:
To see the final project, click here:
