Browsing by Subject "Assistive Products"
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Item Restricted Assistive Devices for People With Parkinson's Tremor(2022) Clarisse Xingyi Lim; Murken, Hauke; Pöğün-Zander, Yüksel; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, with an increasing prevalence due to the global aging population. The symptoms of PD, including tremors, slowness of movement, and stiffness, significantly impact the daily lives of patients and can lead to impairments in activities of daily living. Although there is no permanent cure for PD, assistive products and technology have emerged as potential solutions to help individuals cope with the disease. However, the lack of knowledge and awareness among PD sufferers and their families, as well as other barriers such as user-friendliness and stigma, hinder the effective utilization of these assistive products. This thesis aims to explore mobility-based assistive products designed to address the disability induced by hand tremors in PD patients. The primary objectives are to examine how these devices are designed to improve the quality of life for people with PD and to enhance the design elements of these products to enhance user experience. The research methodology includes an extensive literature review covering the medical background of PD, its impact on health and well-being, and the attitudes and stigma surrounding the disease. Interviews were conducted with PD patients and their caregivers from different geographical locations to gather insights into their lifestyle challenges, intervention methods, and experiences with assistive products. The interviews were carried out through various means such as email, online calls, and paper questionnaires. Additionally, the thesis explores the concept of user-centered design as the best approach for designing assistive devices and analyzes several examples of existing products in terms of their function, design, and market success. Keywords: Parkinson's disease, neurodegenerative disease, assistive products, mobility, hand tremors, user experience, user-centered design, literature review, interviews