Ostomy Monitoring
Monitoring device that informs users through subtle notifications
Research Team
Leena Al Sallakh, Roozbeh Fakhr, Kim Thomas & Mia Yeh
Year
2020
Target
Create an interactive products to enhance the daily life experiences of people with spinal injuries, focusing on Spinal Life Australia as immediate client.
Introduction
Ostomy Monitoring is a device that informs users through subtle notifications . The coverslip for the ostomy bag utilizes beam breakers in the seam that are used to monitor the status of the ostomy bag. When a connection is broken, subtle feedback is sent through the watch via the display and flash of LED. At 3/4 full, the watch will increase its attention to alert the user that they must empty. If it reaches 4/4 full, an alarm will blare to draw attention to the emergency.
The research process consisted of qualitative means, with a couple interviews from users with spinal cord injuries as well as an occupational therapist for current guidelines. From the user research conducted we identified numerous problems but decided to narrow down our focus to the home environment as the goal was to empower them.
User Experience
As part of the research, it was important to understand the issues our users encounter by putting ourselves in their shoes for a day. We explored QUT campus from a wheelchair perspective. The consensus? QUT isn't really wheelchair friendly.
Design Process
Research phase, rapid iterations, models and testing
The design process included pulling our research together as a team and presenting it within a consice manner to our audience. From here, we each went off to create our interactive devices that met our design criteria. This involved consultations with the tutor and each other, rapid sketch development, CAD drawings, model making and also tests with aurdino in order for the device's prototype to work.
To see more of my progress with Arduino and the design process please check out my blog that was made at the time: https://leenaalsallakhdesign.blogspot.com/
Introducing the team
Context image, wheelchair facing hurdles
Chosen focus area for next phase, where Ostomy Monitoring was my solution within our system.
Introducing the team
Gallery of Design Process
Sketches and model making concept development
Final Outcome
Refining and Presenting
Along with a presentation board, a detailed flow diagram of the interaction was constructed. This was further demonstrated by a video of the product in use. Essentially, Ostomy monitoring is a device that informs users through subtle notifications . The coverslip for the ostomy bag utilizes beam breakers in the seam that are used to monitor the status of the ostomy bag. When a connection is broken, subtle feedback is sent through the watch via the display and flash of LED.
At 3/4 full, the watch will increase its attention to alert the user that they must empty. If it reaches 4/4 full, an alarm will blare to draw attention to the emergency.
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