Background Research

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