Aquatic Aquatic Exercise xercise Nandita Sriram Jerry Lee Claire Gibson Design for Agile Aging - March 11, 2008
Importance of Exercise Exercise � Sedentary lifestyle contributes greatly to disease, while exercise reduces the risk of Aging chronic illness � Older adults: increased muscle mass, cardiovascular strength � Benefits: psychological, physiological, social Stewart, KJ. Physical Activity and Aging. Ann NY Acad Sci 1055: 193-206, 2005 Gina Kolata, Old but Not Frail, New York Times, Oct. 5, 2006 Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute of Aging Luggen, A.S., & Hill, C. (2004). Mobility. In P. Ebersole, P. Hess, & A.S. Luggen (Eds.), Toward Healthy Aging (pp. 378-416). St. Louis: Mosby.
Land vs. Aquatic
Point of View Visually impaired older adult seeks to increase balance and endurance; needs motivation and encouragement to stay committed to exercise.
Our Initial Idea
Observations: The “Ah-hah!” Moment SOCIALIZATION
VERY Important TARGET USER Socialization Low physical High ability; enjoys ability - finds socializing while socialization working out during exercise motivating Ability LOW HIGH Low physical High ability; does ability and little not desire desire to socialize socialization as part while exercising of physical activity NOT Important
After some observations… Revised Idea: Joined Kickboards Benefits: � socialization while exercising (motivation) � supports swimmer - floatation � Hair stays dry � Use of board improves endurance
elastic Prototype 1
Prototype 1
Our Thoughts on Prototype 1 � Too little support -- needs better floatation � Elastic led to swimmers collisions � Benefits over swimming unconnected??? Leg collision about to happen
Prototype 2
Prototype 2
Prototype 2
Our Thoughts on Prototype 2 � More surface area on water, increased floatation (though the foam core got pretty soggy!) � Kicking at different rates didn’t turn the board too much --- but propelling the board forward alone is difficult � Distance between swimmers was just enough; any closer and we would have been kicking each other…
We liked Prototype 2 better than Prototype 1, so we tried another iteration of it while at the pool… Prototype 3 (despite very strange looks from other swimmers…)
Prototype 3
Time to test with target users… 1 2 Most 3 successful design so far
A Word from Grandma… “Oh boy, I’m sinking!”
Quick fix? “Much better, but I wish this noodle would sit firmly at my waist!”
A Word from Grandpa… “The extra flotation makes a “It really IS easy to carry on a conversation with you!” world of difference!” “Can we stop for a minute? I really need to catch my breath.”
Letting ‘em Loose! …with a few instructions here and there!
Prototyping Insights � We like the design of the board, but our target user needs more floatation support around the waist � Next prototypes: – Boogie board – Kickboard with aqua belt
Boogie Board
The Aqua Belt
Aqua Belt - Moved to front
The “Tired Arm Issue”
Solutions?
Moving Forward… One-piece board! (No more duct Spot for drink tape) Spot for drink Pool Party? Book Club? Meeting? Spot for iPod Spot for iPod Pool party? Meeting? Book Club? Synchronized Kickboarding?
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