Involving Children and Elderly in Design Research as a Combined User Group to Inform Design

Abstract

In 2005 a study was done by a former student (B.H.Y. Oei) of TU Delft in design of footwear for the prevention of falls among seniors. The graduation project resulted in an extensive program of requirements and a manufactured model of the shoe, where the shoe company, called Intersko, initiated making a prototype of the shoe. From the final user tests of the shoe it was clear that the prototype could use some ad- justing and redesign. This project again included collaboration with Instersko a shoe selling company and the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering TU Delft. The focus was mostly on redesign of the ideal footwear for seniors for prevention of falls with new assessment meth- ods. Tests were done on gait parameters using the GAITRite* walkway (an electronic walkway system). The aim of this report is to present two phases, which consist out of research (First part) and product develop- ment (Second Part). Research was to gain knowledge about cause of fall incidents with new assessment methods and to have view on different perspectives regarding ideal footwear for older persons. Results of the research and exploration helped to formulate design requirements for new shoe concept. The product development part shows the start of creative process to a final design proposal.