Hi my name is Melissa Stocco, I love problem-solving and adding elements of enchantment to my designs. I found industrial design after completing a degree at the University of Waterloo in Sociology and Business. Throughout my time there, I worked co-ops and took courses that allowed me to be creative. I ended up working in e-learning and developed digital media for online courses. I wanted to push myself further and have a career in design. I am constantly improving myself and my skills to become a better designer. I love taking on new challenges and I am highly adaptable to new situations.
The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.
After the age of 30, muscle mass reduces by roughly 5% each decade.
Maintaining muscle mass through strength training is important for functional mobility as we age. Rhythm addresses the unique ergonomic needs of the user, as well as the psychological. There are barriers to seniors exercising, including safety fears and feeling unfulfilled. Rhythm allows seniors to exercise worry free, build muscle mass, and has gamified elements to add value to exercising as an activity.
Rhythm uses music, lights, and movement to create an immersive experience.
As the user exercises the equipment will provide feedback to them through lights on the devices, touch using haptic feedback, and sound through speakers. The devices automatically add users to a workout using fingerprint recognition, to keep the process simple. The robotic fabric on the workout mat can detect when the bench is on the mat to modify the workout for seated users.
The workout equipment was designed to fit the elderly 99 percentile man and 1 percentile woman.
The bench provides a variety of options for seniors while sitting or standing depending on their physical health or workouts they perform. Seniors can use the safety handle while standing for support or sitting to help them stand up. The handheld devices have non-slip grips and are 1.5” in diameter to make them easy to hold.
An aluminum frame was selected for the bench as it is lightweight for seniors to handle and is an infinitely recyclable material.
Polypropylene is used for the base of the bench, which is biologically inert and recyclable. The dumbbells are made of steel for the weight, a removable TPU sleeve and polyethylene housing for the head. Polyethylene is a highly recyclable plastic and allows infrared cameras to see through, which are necessary for motion control.
Sedentary or inactive lifestyles have been increasing among senior adults and have contributed to increased rates of falls, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, premature mortality, negative psychological effects, as well as other health risks. Inactive lifestyles can reduce seniors' functional mobility, decrease their quality of life (QoL), and increase their chances of losing their independence earlier in their life. Rhythm is a smart and gamified fitness equipment set for seniors that uses music, lights, and haptic feedback to inspire movement and exercise. Rhythm devices emit music and light as they work through the fitness challenges. The solution provides a convenient way for seniors to strength train to maintain muscle mass and functional mobility as they age. This solution will aid seniors to enhance their quality of life and make exercising a more enjoyable experience. Rhythm implements elements of activities that seniors already enjoy, such as social time, music, and creative outlets to improve their exercising experience. In addition, Rhythm provides safety features to reduce barriers to exercising, such as fear of falling. The set includes four products: a workout bench, fitness mat that uses robotic fabric, a fitness ring, and dumbbells.
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