HAROLD'S STABILIZED UTENSIL HOLDER

Key Concepts

Understanding Parkinson's Tremors

Parkinson's disease tremors typically occur at rest and decrease with intentional movement. They have distinctive frequency patterns (4-6 Hz) and can vary in intensity throughout the day. Tremors not only affect physical capability but also impact psychological wellbeing and social interactions, particularly during mealtimes where they become most visible to others.

Servo Stabilization Principles

Smart servos can detect and respond to movement through programming and input sensors. For tremor compensation, several approaches can be considered:

1. Active Dampening: Servo moves in opposition to detected tremor
2. Passive Stabilization: Mechanical design absorbs tremor energy
3. User-Controlled Assistance: Button-activated stability modes for critical moments
4. Adaptive Response: Servo adjusts based on detected tremor intensity

Human-Centered Design Process Application

The "Define" phase in HCD requires synthesizing observations into actionable problem statements. A well-crafted problem statement:

• Is user-centered, not technology-centered
• Identifies the specific need and context
• Avoids prescribing a solution
• Provides clear direction for ideation

Activity: "Problem Definition Workshop"

1. Client Interview Synthesis:
   • Teams compile insights gained from client interview
   • Create empathy maps showing what Harold says, thinks, feels, and does
   • Identify unspoken needs and pain points
2. Problem Statement Development:
   • Guide teams through creating "How might we..." problem statements
   • Refine statements to be specific, actionable, and user-centered
   • Example: "How might we help Harold maintain dignity and independence during meals by stabilizing his utensils in response to hand tremors?"
3. Design Criteria Workshop:
   • Develop measurable criteria for successful solutions
   • Consider both technical requirements (servo capabilities, power needs) and human factors (ease of use, social acceptability)
   • Prioritize criteria using a decision matrix approach

Extension Activity: "Concept Generation and Evaluation"

1. Divergent Thinking Exercise:
   • Teams conduct rapid ideation sessions (8-10 concepts per team)
   • Use sketching to visualize different approaches to stabilization
   • Consider various input methods appropriate for users with tremors
   • Explore different mechanical configurations using LocLine components
2. Technical Feasibility Analysis:
   • Teams evaluate ideas against smart servo capabilities:
     • Torque limitations (13 Kg-cm)
     • Programming complexity
     • Power requirements
     • Input device options
   • Create simple proof-of-concept programs to test key functionality
3. Concept Selection Process:
   • Teams develop evaluation criteria based on Harold's needs
   • Create decision matrices to compare concepts objectively
   • Select 2-3 concepts for further development
4. Initial CAD Exploration:
   • Introduction to OnShape CAD for designing mechanical components
   • Teams sketch basic mounting solutions for their selected concepts
   • Identify components that would require 3D printing or fabrication

import time
import board
import pwmio
import servo
from digitalio import DigitalInOut, Direction, Pull

# Setup servo
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
my_servo = servo.Servo(pwm)

# Setup button
button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
button.direction = Direction.INPUT
button.pull = Pull.UP

# Stabilization mode variables
stabilize_mode = False
center_position = 90

while True:
    # Toggle stabilization mode with button press
    if button.value == False:  # Button pressed
        stabilize_mode = not stabilize_mode
        time.sleep(0.5)  # Debounce
    
    # When in stabilize mode, maintain center position
    if stabilize_mode:
        my_servo.angle = center_position
    # When not in stabilize mode, allow some movement
    else:
        # Simulate slight movement (would be replaced with actual input)
        my_servo.angle = center_position - 10
        time.sleep(0.5)
        my_servo.angle = center_position + 10
        time.sleep(0.5)

Assessment Criteria

This initial phase of the capstone project will be evaluated on the following:

1. Client Understanding: Depth of empathy and insight demonstrated in understanding Harold's challenges
2. Problem Definition: Quality and user-centricity of problem statements
3. Technical Exploration: Thoroughness in exploring smart servo capabilities
4. Concept Generation: Creativity and diversity of solution concepts
5. Design Process Documentation: Quality of design journal entries and documentation
6. Next Steps Planning: Clarity and feasibility of proposed development path

Activity: "Concept Presentation and Feedback"

1. Preparation Phase:
   • Teams organize their findings, insights, and concepts
   • Create visual aids to explain their design direction
   • Prepare questions for Harold to validate their understanding
2. Presentation Structure:
   • 5-minute presentations including:
     • Demonstrated understanding of Harold's specific needs
     • Clear problem statement and design criteria
     • Technical feasibility analysis
     • Selected concept with justification
     • Key questions for client feedback
     • Proposed next steps
3. Peer and Instructor Feedback:
   • Structured feedback session after each presentation
   • Focus on technical feasibility, alignment with user needs, and innovation
   • Teams document feedback for incorporation into their next iteration
4. Next Steps Planning:
   • Teams develop detailed project plans including:
     • Prototype development timeline
     • Required materials and resources
     • Key milestones and checkpoints
     • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
     • Testing methodologies

Assessment Rubric