This project was created in collaboration between Baycrest Hospital and the Industrial Design program at OCAD U. With support of the Research & Innovation office of OCAD U, September-December 2019
This Spotless "Napkin" was designed with Rima Al Moman, Juling Hancock and Ayo Olagbemi
This project was to design assistive products for people living with dementia, their caregivers and families. Our solution reflected the particular interests and needs of clients at the Mountainview Club at Baycrest Hospital.
Project Context
With the significant demographic increase of the elderly (65+) globally, health care and health care systems are facing significant increase in demand for (and costs of) care. As we age, the burden we place on health care and support services increases significantly and represents a large proportion of overall healthcare costs. This means that how we provide care, not just at the bedside, but also through services and support, must always be explored and challenged in order to find better, innovative, cost-effective and implementable solutions. We have identified challenges at Baycrest which it is believed a design driven approach could create significant improvement/new solutions which would positively impact the delivery of functional, emotional care and patient well-being.
Issues we found
- When observing clients at mountainview we noticed some clients were wearing bibs, although these were practical in keeping clothes from spoiling we found that they are quite infantilizing and rather degrading
- We also noticed that clients needed help in taking the bibs off
- As a result they would have to wait for assistance rather than joining the others to the next activity
- Although it may be purposely difficult to take off for situations where the clients don’t want to wear the bibs, we are told it is because clients find the bib uncomfortable or unfamiliar to them
Design Inquiry Question
Our Concept and Value Proposition
Spotless aims to give our intended user independence and confidence during meals. It is easy to fold and to store, making it flexible to use in any setting. Our product is easy to clean/wash and will reduce the workload for you and/or your caregivers. The napkin is elegant and strives to reduce any elements of “childishness”. It goes well with many different outfits, and the customizability of our product brings more opportunities for people who wish to have an overall better dining experience
Design Brief
Our aim is to create an easy to wear alternative to the traditional bib that is also comfortable, non-stigmatizing, and aesthetically appealing.
Process works
Our design developed week by week based on various SME feedbacks: They expressed concerns about the cleanliness of a wipe down bib. They strongly recommended that the bib should be washable. They also warned against the use of metal clips, since it could lead to injury if someone were to throw it. Finally, they recommended that we choose a material that is somewhat heat resistant, incase a client were to spill hot food onto themselves
Our Final Prototype
We placed magnetic closures at the front so it is easy to put on for any user. We also used a water-resistant material to avoid staining and finally we added slight gathers at the front in order to create a more realistic napkin look.
For more information about the package design please check Here
* * *
