Research

Context Mapping

Introduction to EDS

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a collective term for clinical and genetic binding tissue disorder of which there are 13 different types documented at this time. These can be classified according to their symptoms and genetic characteristics (Janssen Rehabilitation Medicine & Consultancy;).

Most of the types share overlap with other types and they are sometimes only identifiable through identification of DNA on a molecular level when this overlap is evenly distributed which is likely to occur (Fransiska Malfait, 2017).

Symptoms

Main symptoms

The three main general symptoms are hypermobility, instability, and dislocation. The term joint hypermobility is used when one or more joints have the ability to move beyond normal boundaries. When this hypermobility leads to instability in the joints, complaints might arise. Joint instability can then lead to dislocation of and damage to the joints and nearby connective and soft tissues (Janssen Rehabilitation Medicine & Consultancy;).

Skeletal and muscular symptoms

Symptoms of the skeleton and muscles may include: trauma to tissues such as muscle, tendons and joints and degenerative harm to the skeleton (Janssen Rehabilitation Medicine & Consultancy;).

General/systematic symptoms

Tissues such as blood vessels, skin, mucous membranes, and connective tissue won’t heal properly. Also, the involvement of the nervous system in preventing harm malfunctions (Janssen Rehabilitation Medicine & Consultancy;).

Chronic pain

The experience with an intensity of pain varies, and so does the way to treat it. Ergotherapy, physiotherapy, or manual therapy are available; therapy could also help with accepting and dealing with the constant pain (M.A. Griffioen, 2021). There is currently no cure for the underlying binding tissue issue; therefore, medical guidance, correction, and prevention of the consequences are suggested (Janssen Rehabilitation Medicine & Consultancy;). When considering the need of any invasive surgery it is very important to keep the possible risks of EDS in mind. Reluctance is suggested especially for non-essential surgery (M.A. Griffioen, 2021).

Full Context Mapping Paper:

Context Mapping Paper

Conext Mappin

Design Challenge

Our starting point for this project was quickly established, as the first meeting with Anne immediately revealed that out of all her daily hindrances created by her disability the most obstinate one is the inability to paint when wearing braces. At present she resolves this by not wearing any at all, thereby risking the disease worsening. To prevent this from happening she would like a solution which makes it possible to wear braces and still be able to execute the finer motor skills needed while painting her realism paintings. From this we formulated the following initial design challenge:

“To design a product that allows the co-designer to wear braces while being able to paint”

As the project furthered, it became clear that she envisioned to use the product for a wider variety of things, which also require finer motor skills such as, typing and writing. Aside from this she wanted it to be inexpensive made in such a manner that others with similar problems could use it as well. The latter capability she wanted to achieve by creating a tool which could be fitted to a wide range of brace and suchlike. To accommodate this broader vision, the design challenge was revised:

“To design a product that allows the co-designer and other brace-wearers to wear braces while executing finer motor skills such as painting, writing, and typing”

Design Challenge

Requirements

To create a product that fulfils all design wishes, it is of great importance that the design adheres to certain design parameters. These parameters are design requirements and are set for different components of the product.

General requirements:

Functional requirements:

The user should benefit from using the product while wearing braces, over performing without the product and braces.
The user should benefit from using the product with braces,
The product should not be harmful when in use,
The product should be designed to fit the ergonomics of the co-designer,
The product should be able to remain functional on its own,

Using the product while wearing braces should not hinder the user,
The user should be able to understand the use of the product with little difficulty.

Measurable requirements:

The product should not exceed 400 grams,
The product should fit the style of the co-designer (fifties or steampunk)

Later on, these design requirements will be reviewed in the user study plan to see whether the final product meets the expectations set at the beginning of the design process.

Requrements