In my lecture today with Justin Magee the class was given quite a few different choices for our brief. I can't help it but I am very very excited about the next few weeks of work!
Project suggestions: Clinical challenges:
Brief 1: Pundendal Neuralgia.
Basically, this is a condition of the lower pelvic area which makes it extremely painful for the patient to sit, lay down and do many general, every day things. The brief is to design a solution to enable sufferes to sit, stand and/or lay down which would be fairly easy to use and move, while keeping the user comfortable. Other possible projects would involve designing some way to make life easier while using things like the shower.
Brief 2: The logroll technique.
Here we're asked to think of a solution which would help medical staff move patients without damage ot their spine after injury. Currently the logroll technique requires four people who have to safely move the injured onto a stretch. The solution to the problem could be some sort of device used to move the patient instead of the nurses themselves, or indeed perhaps a stretch that replaces the need for the movement entirely.
Brief 3: Limb dressing and support.
I havent experienced it myself, but limb dressing after a break is appartently quite painful. This brief is to look into the causes of pain during the proceedure of applying a cast to a break and try to fix the probelm areas. The use of new "smart" materials could be key.
Brief 4: Deisgn for Shoplifting.
This brief is a great opportunity to explore graphic design, specifically packaging. The challange is to think of an innovative, stylish and practical packaging solution to the standard box which will reduce the risk of, if not abolish shop lifting.
Think expansion, a box which expands upon opening, diverting attention directly towards it. Good use of shape, color, sound, branding. What sort of product would need this packaging? Something fairly expeincive? Would the packaging be very cost effective? Perhaps the product would make noise while being opened, some sort of snapping or cracking. These are all things to consider while thinking of a solution.
Brief 5: Digitex.
I'd have to do a lot of research into this, but I believe this is a new kind of ink which is used in innovative ways. For example it could be used on clothes, giving them qualities other garments would not normally have. Practical space age suits are here! (possibly..) This brief is all about materials and looking into the properties of newly created samples.
Brief 6: Dare to Design. Games!
Finally the brief I've been waiting for. Gaming! I have so many ideas my head is bursting! While trying to avoid the generic "lets making a fighter/FPS/RPG" route I would love to bring up a controvertial subject and create a hard-hitting solution to the issue. Some of the topics which come to my mind are as follows:
I had the initial idea of jumping into the stigma that gaming isn't for girls. There is so much information surrounding the subject that I would have some serious research to do. I'm sure there are some interesting views on the subject. The gaming industry in general is really broadening it's audience right now (and has been doing so over the past decade) extremely well. New games which appeal to not only males and females, but all ages, are being released. For example, Brain Traning and Wii Fit.
Addiction to computer games. Specifically MMORPGs like World of Warcraft. Just where did this game get their massive following? What are the reasons behind almost every other game of it's kind falling at the feet of WoW? Just what are the addictive qualities? There are so many questions to be answered on the subject. Perhaps there is some sort of solution to the addiction itself, perhaps the solution is in another game, something not so addictive.
Games for rehabilitation. Games have a way of making boring and repetitive tasks fun most of the time especially now, most games offer some sort of reward system for instant gratification. This is great for motivation and drive and can be used in a range of innovative and exciting ways. Imagine someone who's had a terrible accident which renders them unable to use their legs or hands and now they're bound to weeks of painful, boring and repetitve physiotherapy. Imagine if there was some sort of installation in place which motivated users to keep going, to keep using it a little more each day.
Justin gave us this great example:
Imagine if you were suffering from an injury to the hand where you have lost almost all mobility. Your hand is currently in a claw-like position and you have only limited movement. The possibility for a game which could use a glove or some sort sensor to be used on the hand which records the movements and position of your fingers is a start. This game could be a great way to take your mind off the fact you're trying to get your hand moving again. Perhaps you have some sort of creature to control, to move around in a little world. You use each of your fingers to move and solve puzzles, explore, fight etc. As movement in your hand gets easier and you can do more you unlock different bonuses. Perhaps another leg to your creature has grown! There are many many possibilities.
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