Background Research Overview
The team started off on the project by conducting background research. The team’s background research consisted of several features including brainstorming, reviewing and gathering relevant information and inspiration, and learning about the history and statistics of injuries for one-arm users.
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Brainstorming
Brainstorming sessions were conducted to help the team narrow the list of activities presenting challenges for people limited to using only one arm. Figure 1 below shows a list of everyday activities the team thought would be particularly challenging for one-arm users. In addition, the team believed these activities showed potential for the development of a product that could aid one-arm users while performing these activities.
Types of Activities Presenting Challenges for One-Arm Users:
- Buttoning a Shirt
- Zipping a Jacket/Coat
- Folding a T-Shirt
- Hanging a Shirt
- Applying a Band-aid
- Opening a Jar/Bottle
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Gathering Relevant Information & Inspiration
The process of researching information relevant to the team’s project enabled the team to better understand the product market for one-arm users. This aspect of the background research also allowed the team to see where gaps were present in regards to aids for one-arm users.
Products for:
Buttoning a Shirt
Figure 1: Traditional Chinese Button
Figure 2: Button Snaps
Zipping a Jacket/Coat
Figure 3: One-handed Magnetic Zipper by Under Armour
Folding T-Shirts
Figure 4: T-Shirt Folder by En’da
Figure 5: T-Shirt Folding Board by Household Essentials
Hanging a Shirt
Figure 6: Pincher Hanger by Jianeel Shah
Figure 7: Slack Pant Hanger by Jeronic
Applying a Band-aid
Figure 8: Easy Access Bandages
Opening a Jar/Bottle
Figure 9: Drawer Liner – Surface for Opening Jars/Bottles
Figure 10: One-handed Jar Opener by Sologrip
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Statistics
Injuries to the shoulder, arm, and hand are the most common workplace accident, accounting for 32.4% of all lost time accidents.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh2.pdf