Main achievements:
-Motivating stroke survivors to train independently in the future
-Developed tools that do not feel like intense training
-These everyday objects can be detachable using various textile and tactile surfaces
-Everyday objects can also be transformed into gaming strategies e.g. memory, games that test tactile responses
How did I do it?
-Research and interviews led me to make the required changes to the everyday objects.
-By working with survivors and physios and finding out what they lack in the training process
-The changes are measured by integrating levels into the games, e.g. placing the Simon game and vibration onto a cup
What I learned in the process?
-How to use AI softwares which will be crucial in the future world of work
-The importance of repetition in training for stroke survivors
-The fact that there is a lack of sensory items for stroke patients within a low budget and accessibility
-How to engage with stakeholders from an unknown field and how to work with vulnerable patients
What I would do if had more time to work on the project/ going further:
If I had more time on this MA/project or how I would like to continue this project after the MA finished would be to reach out to a different segment of stakeholders such as potential investors or business owners in order to see if this actually had a chance to succeed in the future, how it could develop and what could be adapted or improved.
On top of that, I would approach companies who could produce and create the product and research what company and country would be suitable for that.
I could also explore other everyday objects such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, cutlery, etc which could explore grip/vibration/hot and cold sensations, etc.
I would also reach out to existing companies to understand if a potential collaboration would work out that already has producers and the right customer base.
Looking even further into the future I would consider what other products to create and what items could be changed, as well as collaborations with gaming companies, and their suggestion would be another step I would take.
Creating a company or a brand that could help and make the lives of stroke survivors better, easier, and more engaging would be a long-term achievement and a goal of mine.
At the beginning of this course, I would have not thought that this would go in the direction it went, due to my past projects and studies being so different, which makes me even more proud of what I achieved so far with it. This also made my communication skills much better, as I was pushed to engage with people and experts from a different field.