Maria Martinez Ardila

2020

Maria is a passionate person who takes the environment and well being of all living things as a priority in every activity she performs in her life. Her mission is to inspire, to do and create things from love and to be part of the solution.

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Light Therapy for Gestational Hypertension

This thesis proposal investigates alternative treatment methods for gestational hypertension to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity in developing countries from the standpoint of user interaction, convenience of use, ergonomics and a holistic user-focused experience. Improving maternal health is key to preventing the death of half a million women that die every year due to pregnancy complications. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy remain the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world, with a 14% higher rate in developing countries. A vast majority of those deaths, if not all, could be prevented by providing proper care, early diagnosis, and access to health services among others. By observational studies, interviews and surveys this thesis proposes an in-depth study of the environmental circumstances of the user and an ethnographic view of user-center design. Designing a suitable product to reduce high blood pressure during pregnancy, from addressing ergonomic factors and full body interaction in context, will help mitigate maternal mortality in developing countries. These learning can be applied to other regions, benefiting a broader scope of users.

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Physical Model

Physical model of ASANA.

Meeting the Four Thesis Pillars for Design Excellence

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Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy remain the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world, with a 14% higher rate in developing countries.

The initial thought behind designing an alternative treatment for gestational hypertension lied on the fact that current treatments are not available nor accessible to everyone and they lack empathy which has a negative impact on the patient and the results of treatment. Every day technological breakthroughs are being discovered yet we fail to target problems which can be solved with rudimentary technology and processes. Asana is a holistic user-focused device which encases technology, sustainability and empathy to the user, to reduce high blood pressure during pregnancy anywhere in the world.

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Human-Interaction Design

The device is built with different features to facilitate its use and interaction as well as comfort; which is a basic requirement for this treatment to be successful.

ASANA has cushions incorporated into the seat, back and head panel which are three of the major touchpoint interactions with the user. The device operates on a single power button, which was an important consideration for the user to manipulate the device in such a way that there is no option to use it incorrectly.

In addition, the design of ASANA took into consideration the uncomfortable stage experienced by pregnant women during their third trimester. Based on different interviews and research, it was discovered that women in advance pregnancies are not able to hold one position for long periods of time before they feel uncomfortable, therefore two different back angles were incorporated to give the user customization of position.

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Human Factors and Ergonomics

ASANA was designed to provide treatment to women experiencing gestational hypertension while considering comfort, empathy and accessibility.

It consists of a one-piece portable device, that can be easily transported and be used either in medical facilities or in the comfort of the user’s home. ASANA’s versatile design is foldable for easy carrying and assembly, and it is meant to be placed on top of any sitting surface by just unfolding the panels as instructed.

The overall structure was designed with soft edges and curves to create a positive and friendly relationship with the user. This way pregnant woman receiving treatment feel comfortable and confident reducing anxiety. In order to provide effective outcomes, the user must remain in the device for long periods of time, therefore ergonomic considerations were the most important aspect in the design of ASANA.

ASANA was designed to provide treatment to women experiencing gestational hypertension while considering comfort, empathy and accessibility. It consists of a one-piece portable device, that can be easily transported and be used either in medical facilities or in the comfort of the user’s home. ASANA’s versatile design is foldable for easy carrying and assembly, and it is meant to be placed on top of any sitting surface by just unfolding the panels as instructed.

The overall structure was designed with soft edges and curves to create a positive and friendly relationship with the user. This way pregnant women receiving treatment feel comfortable and confident reducing anxiety. In order to provide effective outcomes, the user must remain in the device for long periods of time, therefore ergonomic considerations were the most important aspect in the design of ASANA.

Click to enlarge

Sustainability

Sustainability was always a key aspect applied and thought in every stage of the design in ASANA.

From sustainable material choices to overall manufacturing footprint and life cycle of the product, ASANA is socially responsible for recognizing the actions and consequences of sourcing materials and the impact it produces in communities, the user and in the environment.

Materials chosen for ASANA were carefully selected considering life cycle, recyclable properties, manufacturing process and environmental footprint overall. One of the highlights of ASANA is its simplicity and the limited number of materials that constitute the device including fabric, integrated plastic with natural fiber materials for reinforcement, cushion layers, LED blue lights and solar panels.