Figure 1 - Sketch of Prototype
The basic functionality of the Hardware is as follows:
Display
Figure 2 & Figure 3
Display
- The display is one of the most important features of our design as this is the area where the program will be run. The design of the whole system can be seen in figure 1, there are also existing barcode scanner PDAs which are show in figure 2 and 3 they wouldn't be ideally suited for the elderly but still my design uses some ideas.
- The design of the display should combine a 'large' display so that the elderly can see the menu items etc. and an overall size which mean that the device is still portable.
- It must be waterproof and be easy to maintain (i.e. when food get on it, easy to wipe off). This is kind of obvious as our product is going to be used primarily in the kitchen and outdoors.
Device in General
- Must be durable as with product people tend to drop them which is a big problem for electrical devices. With an increase in dexterity amongst the elderly durability has to be a key feature.
- In my prototype idea the design is for an "all-in-one" system which allows the barcode scanner to be attached. In my initial design sketch it is located on the top. The reason for having an all in one system that is simplifies a complex design and stops components getting lost.
- The scanner itself although it is attached to the PDA it can be extended by means of a wire which would allow the user "to scan even the trickiest of barcodes" this design would use an idea similar to the vacuum plug, you can pull it out and press a button to retract it.
- Size of device should be slightly bigger than a PDA as there average size is roughly
75mm x 130mm x 15mm (http://www.palmbyal.com/). This would allow for a larger screen but again it can't be too much bigger as it will lose its portability factor.
Buttons
- Generally should be used over other methods such as a scrolling button, touchpad or other form of new interaction mainly because the majority of elderly people don't understand how they work and will just lose faith/patience in the product.
- Another very important feature in the design the button generally should be arranged in a logical way some research should be done into TV remotes and other forms of remote control the elderly use.
- The buttons should also be limited in number as the common phrase goes "less is more".
- The buttons should also be large and have a happy medium of sensitivity when pressed. This is because the elderly general have poor eye sight and general movement so making the buttons large allows for the person to comfortably press the button.
Barcode Scanner
- This has been chosen over any other input device because it seems the most logical you can scan in food and it will tell what food automatically and combined with the system can enter amount with ease.
- The device should have a button on it as it can be extended with a wire thus the person will want to press a button to scan.
Figure 2 & Figure 3
