Post 5 - Revised Design Process and Model

Intro

As mentioned earlier, the design process given in my first post was rough and was prone to changes as I advanced. Below is the revised Design Process with highlighted changes. Please go through it :

Revised Design Process :

Here is an explanatory model of the design process telling exactly how I approached the problem.

Design Process Model :

(Please open the image and zoom in to see properly)

Bibliography

10th - 12th April 2016

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambidexterity
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handedness
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laterality
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-dominance
• http://www.rightleftrightwrong.com/statistics.html 

26th April - 6th May 2016

• http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/how-left-handed-people-in-india-are-fighting-prejudices-pushing-for-recognition/articleshow/39959997.cms  
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias_against_left-handed_people
• http://lefthanded.cdf-design.com/against_us/
• http://techland.time.com/2012/08/27/left-handed-technology/
• http://www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk/being-lh/lh-info/is-it-me.html#sthash.vd7pAZEi.dpbs
• https://fishofgold.net/2013/06/06/the-worst-products-for-left-handed-people/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchblade
• https://www.quora.com/Productivity-Why-do-people-normally-wear-watches-on-the-left-hand
• https://www.quora.com/topic/Left-handedness
• http://www.lefthandersday.com/tour/is-it-me#.VyRRA1R97IU

13th May - 19th May 2016

• https://www.google.co.in/search?q=DSLRs+sales+statistics&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwityYnIvd_MAhUETo8KHd0FAkQQ_AUIBigB
• http://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2013/12/DSLRs-vs.-Total-Cameras2-620x333.png 

End note

This ends my series of posts for my Design Process course assignment. Feedback is a part of my design process, and it will help me a lot. Please share your thoughts and comments. 

Thank You! :)

Post 4 - Possibilities of solutions

Intro

I did a features analysis of a basic DSLR camera and following were my observations :

• Lacks ambidexterity
• Lacks easy replacement of internal parts(modular build)

                   Image Source : Internet | Edited by Author

I began thinking on the lines of the above question and did some doodles and rough concept sketches :

Some doodles about the basic concept :

Rough digital sketch about the concept:

Some points about the concept :

• The camera is ambidextrous as the controller can be detached and attached on either left or right side of the main body.
• The buttons arrangement remains the same, they are reprogrammed when flipped.
• Shutter release and mode dial are removable and can be mounted on both the top and bottom of the controller.
• The controller unit is symmetrical in horizontal axis which allows it to be flipped and attached on the left side.
• This also allows the camera to be modular with easy replacement of parts.

Please note : This is NOT my design solution. This is just  a concept, an idea which struck my mind. It isn't fool proof and is obviously prone to changes and improvements.

Stakeholder Analysis

If the following concept is brought into reality, the stake holders will be influenced in the following way :

                                         Based on speculative data

• Users -

1. Left handed users will be benefited with ease of use.
2. Right handed users will get a more modular platform.

• Manufacturers - * - May face some losses due to new production line costs. May find increase in sales due to newer and promising features later.

• Service providers - Ease of work due to modular platform. Easy replacement of parts

• Sellers - Boost in sales.

• Environment - Reduction of E-waste due to modular and reusable platform.

Conclusion

In my opinion, such modular design approach can be applied across various products to help improve their usability towards left handed persons. It can be a one time, cost effective solution, beneficial for all.

Checkout my next post about the design process I followed for this problem. Thanks!

Post 3 - Dipstick Research

Intro

After my research post about some products which I analysed, this post is about selecting a specific product, and analyzing it further to understand where and how it lacks as well as where and how it can be improved.


Remember : The Root Cause of the all the problems faced by lefties while operating products is the inherent (conscious or unconscious) biased design approach of the society.

Image Source : Author

I performed a problem assessment matrix to find out which problem needs to be dealt with.

Image source : Author

The parameters I considered for problem severity and solution availability were upcoming market trends, newer concepts, product development and improvements happening in all those product areas. The matrix indicates two areas where there's a great difference in solution availability and problem severity - Power tools and DSLRs. 

Power tools have very specific applications and are only limited to workshops, etc. whereas DSLR cameras are used by the general population and their numbers are increasing day by day as their prices cheapen.

Image Source : Internet

Hence I will concentrate my attention towards DSLRs and making the easy to use for left handed persons.

In the next post I will address the problem in detail and suggest a possible solutions and concepts. Stay tuned.

Post 2 - Research

Intro

This is my research post of design process/problem solving assignment of semester 2. A brief recap on the first post : I figured out my problem statement in the first post. Here's the link to post 1 : Design Process Post 1 - Intro and Problem definition

Identifying and analyzing the problems faced by left handed people performing various tasks and jobs with objects, devices or products in their day to day life along with their causes, and suggesting solutions if possible.

Research

Bias against left-handed people is discrimination, conscious or not, against people who are left-hand dominant. Approximately 10% of the world's population is left-handed. Yet many common tools are designed solely for use by right-handed people, making them difficult, painful, or unsafe for left-handed people to use. These range from simple objects such as scissors to dangerous machinery such as power saws. Beyond such neglect, however, left-handed people have frequently been subjected to deliberate discrimination and disparagement. Even in relatively "modern" societies, left-handed people historically have been—and in some places still are—forced from childhood to use their right hands for tasks which they would naturally perform with the left, such as eating and writing.

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

The problems faced by left handed people are mainly due to the following two reasons :

1. Intrinsic biases

Most of the objects or products in the world are designed with an inherent and deep rooted approach for the right hand use over the left, or rather both hand use. This is intrinsic bias.

2. Socio-Cultural biases

Many societies, cultures and religions have emotional or intellectual beliefs and/or prejudices against the use of left hand as the dominant one or even for simple actions sometimes.

As a student of design, I will be concentrating on intrinsic biases in making of products, which act as a barrier for left handed folks for efficient use and operation.

I have tried to closely observe, analyse and understand the problems faced by lefties with various products.

Observations

1. Wrist Watches

Wrist watches are worn mostly on the non dominant hand, so that the dominant hand is free for various tasks, and while performing them, you don't damage your watch. So going by this 'rule', a left handed person should wear his/her watch on the right hand wrist. The images below will explain what problems the standard watch's design causes to a left handed person wearing it on the right wrist.

Photo and editing by author

Photo and editing by author

This can force a left handed person to wear the watch on the left hand wrist, thereby: 

• hampering his writing
• hampering his sketching
• slowing him down in hand operations
• increasing the chances of damaging his watch

Nowadays, watches with the crown on the left for the left handed exist. But these are made in limited numbers and hence aren't widely available as well as are considerably costlier than standard watches.

Fun Fact

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

2. Scissors

Scissors are asymmetric as they have overlapping blades. They are arranged so that, in the right hand, fingers and thumb push the blades together laterally, creating the shearing action essential to scissors' utility.

Photo and editing by author

Now, considering these scissors to be used by left hands, fingers and thumb tend to force right-handed blades apart, so that, rather than being sheared, the work-material is merely hacked, as by a knife, or slips between the blades uncut.

Photo and editing by author

 Left-handed persons using right-handed scissors will often try to compensate by forcing the handles apart laterally, causing discomfort or injury to the first knuckle of the thumb. In addition to that, they will have to stretch over their necks on the left to see the cutting line, causing discomfort. 

Many scissors are offered as "ambidextrous" or "suitable for right- or left-handed use." Typically, these are merely right-handed scissors with modified handles to permit use in the left hand with less discomfort, but because the blades are still arranged for right-handed use, they will not perform well in the left hand.

Fun Fact

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

3. Knives 

Box Cutters

Most box cutters have their sliders on the left side which makes it almost impossible for left handed persons to use it properly, what more, it also renders a good grip useless.

Here's a standard, cheap and widely available box cutter, also widely used in our institute :

Photo and editing by author

Here are some of the problems faced by left handers using this box cutter :

Photo and editing by author

There are cutters available with the slider on top/bottom, but those aren't as widely available as these ones, and are also costly.

Switchblades

A switchblade (also known as springer or a flick blade) is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or bolster is activated. 

Photo and editing by author

Fun Fact 

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

4. DSLR Cameras and Camcorders

Cameras predominantly have the hand grip, shutter release, film wind lever and commonly used selection buttons, switches and dials controlled by the right hand. Lens controls (where present) tend to be accessible by either hand. When an unskilled left-handed person uses a right-handed camera the hand control can be less steady and hence produce camera shake leading to poorer pictures at low shutter speeds.

.

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

Camcorders have the hand bracing only on the right side, and left handed persons find it difficult to operate it. Their right hand isn't as stable as their left, resulting into poorer quality videos and photos.

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

Fun Fact

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

5. The folding desk

Many educational institutions utilize this design. The desk is attached on the right side, offering an armrest for right-handed people to use while writing. In some of these desks, the writing surface does not extend fully to the left, necessitating a left-handed user to turn their body in order to write properly, sometimes causing back, neck and shoulder problems. 

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

Fun Fact 

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

6. Power Tools

Power tools and machinery is typically manufactured with the right-handed user in mind. Left-handed operators have the inability to keep materials steady, and difficulty reaching the on/off switch, especially in emergency situations. Table saws, whose blades protrude from the top of a table and pose the risk of losing fingers or hands, have their cutting area on the right side. This makes it difficult for a left-handed operator to guide the material being cut, as it must be pushed to the right side to align with the fence to avoid kickback. On bandsaws, the blade teeth are on the left side of the blade, necessitating the material being cut to be pushed from the left side of the machine. However, at this angle, the casing of the machine containing the rest of the blade is on the operator's left side, making it extremely difficult to guide the wood with their left hand. 

Handheld circular saws are made almost exclusively for right-handers, with the motor and grip on the right side. If held in the left hand, it is impossible for the operator to see what they are cutting.

Photo and editing by author

7. Firearms 

Almost all of the firearms are designed for right handed users, with the operating handle, magazine release, or safety mechanisms and other necessary functions set up for manipulation by the right hand, and fired cartridge cases ejected to the right. Also, scopes and sights may be mounted in such a way as to require the shooter to place the rifle against the right shoulder.If a left handed user shoots a right-handed gun left-handed certain difficulties such as the controls being improperly located for the left hand or hot shell cases being ejected towards the shooter's body, especially the eyes or down the collar or right sleeve occur. 

Image source : Internet | Edited by author

Ambidextrous firearms are manufactured in smaller numbers and are generally more expensive and/or harder to obtain. Many left handed shooters are still forced to shoot with their non dominant right hand.

End note

This was my research post about the various products and objects I've analysed. I haven't included some popular 'lefty unfriendly' products such as doors, musical instruments, sporting equipment, etc because solutions to them are easily available or they might not be that significant.

In the next post, I will perform a problem assessment matrix and proceed with a more in depth analysis of a specific problem. 

Ending on a lighter note - Here's the look of disapproval when we extend the left hand for Prasad :D

Animation clip source : Internet 

Thank you!

Post 1 - Intro and Problem Definition

Image : Author

Intro

This post is about my design process/problem solving assignment of Semester 2. The whole research and analysis along with a probable solution/conclusion will be posted here step by step.

 Design Process followed :

 

Note : This is a roughly planned process which I might improvise slightly as I proceed with the work. Any changes will be notified later.

Problem Definition

Handedness 

Handedness is the dominance of one hand over the other, or the unequal distribution of fine motor skills between the left and right hands. It refers to the tendency of humans to be more dextrous or skilled with one hand over the other, or sometimes merely the preference of one hand over the other. It is usually used with reference to fine motor skills and the performance of manual tasks, particularly everyday activities.

Right-handedness is most common. Right-handed people are more skillful with their right hands when performing tasks. Studies suggest that 87–92% of the world population is right-handed.

Left-handedness is less common than right-handedness. Left-handed people are more skillful with their left hands when performing tasks. Studies suggest that approximately 10% of the world population is left-handed.

Cross-dominance or Mixed-handedness is the change of hand preference between tasks. This is common in the population with about a 30% prevalence.

Ambidexterity is exceptionally rare, although it can be learned. A truly ambidextrous person is able to do any task equally well with either hand. Those who learn it still tend to favor their originally dominant hand.

Ambilevous or ambisinister people demonstrate awkwardness with both hands. Ambisinistrous motor skills or a low level of dexterity may be the result of a debilitating physical condition, such as "dysgraphia".

Division of labour based on handedness

One common theory, as to how handedness affects the hemispheres, is the brain hemisphere division of labour. Since speaking and handiwork require fine motor skills, its presumption is that it would be more efficient to have one brain hemisphere do both, rather than having it divided up. Since in most people, the left side of the brain controls speaking, right-handedness predominates. This theory also predicts that left-handed people have a reversed brain division of labour.

Verbal processing in right-handed individuals takes place mostly in the left hemisphere, whereas visuospatial processing is mostly done in the opposite hemisphere. Left-handed individuals have a heterogeneous brain organization in which their brain hemisphere is either organized in the same way as right-handers (but with the hemispheres reversed) or even such that both hemispheres are used for verbal processing.

So what exactly is the problem?

Bias against left-handed people is discrimination, conscious or not, against people who are left-hand dominant. Approximately 10% of the world's population is left-handed. Yet many common tools are designed solely for use by right-handed people, making them difficult, painful, or unsafe for left-handed people to use. These range from simple objects such as scissors to dangerous machinery such as power saws. Beyond such neglect, however, left-handed people have frequently been subjected to deliberate discrimination and disparagement. In many societies, they are considered unlucky or even malicious by the right-handed majority. Many languages use references to left-handedness to convey awkwardness, dishonesty, stupidity, or other undesirable qualities. Even in relatively "modern" societies, left-handed people historically have been—and in some places still are—forced from childhood to use their right hands for tasks which they would naturally perform with the left, such as eating and writing.

As a student of design, I will be concentrating on problems faced by left handed people operating/handling/using devices, objects and products designed for right handed people.

Preliminary Problem Statement :

Identifying and analyzing the problems faced by left handed people performing various tasks and jobs with objects, devices or products in their day to day life along with their causes, and suggesting solutions if possible.