Problem Space
40% of elderly individuals (65+) suffer from a loss of physical
independence. Fall related injuries, including head injuries and hip fractures, are serious problems among the elderly as they often lead to prolonged or even permanent disabilities.
Approach
Chiball takes a preventative approach to this problem space
through promoting physical activity earlier on in life (55-65 y/o).
Increased physical activity can improve one’s lower limb strength, balance, and coordination.
Outcome
Chiball is a bluetooth speaker that creates an accessible workout environment. Users can follow step by step taichi ball workout lessons, using the Chiball app, or just listen to their favourite music while working out.
Actively
aging helps to prolong our physical independence
Co-Designers
Farzaneh Jarfari
Physiotherapist at Richmond Lions Manor
Aliez Kay-Kuzik
Senior Wellness Coordinator at Minoru Centre for Active Living
Fall related training programs are effective, but suffer from low adherence.
This design needs to be:
- Fun & Engaging
- Low Impact
- Easy to Learn
- Social
Break the Fear of Falling Cycle!
Fall
Higher Risk
of Falling
Fear of Falling
Becoming Less Active
Why Taichi?
Taichi is well known for it’s empty hand and exotic weapon
techniques, but few people know that a part of the tradition of Taichi
is to use a round weighted ball. The idea is to extend one's attention
to an external object whilst maintaining proper alignment/forms. The
size and weight of the ball varies with different strength and stamina
training.
Taichi improves one’s balance, flexibility, and perception of health.
Taichi is suitable for the elderly because it is a low impact/velocity
approach to strength and conditioning.
Mind, Body, and Spirit
Prototyping
Form
Inspired by existing exercise equipment like medicine balls and foam rollers.
I was also important to bring the Taichi elements of flow and balance into the design.
Process
After sketching out a few concepts, I made some quick physical mockups in blue foam to test the usability and feel of different shapes and sizes. I then brought my finding in to CAD and modelled some different options for visual exploration.
Two symmetrical
injection molded
halves adhered to
the plastic inner
casing.
HDF allows for an
improved grip, a soft
touch feel, and impact
reduction when
dropped.
High Density Foam Outer Shell
Speaker
Large Buttons
Durable Plastic Inner Casing
Charging Port
Ergonomic Grip
3 Difficulty Levels
App Design
There are several Taichi ball exercise classes that people can attend and professionals have made many educational videos.
The app breaks down these types of videos in audio form to guide users through easy to follow Taichi Ball basics.
Lessons range from learning about the Taichi Ball to traditional techniques like breathing and Taichi ball circling.
How it works
Existing Taichi Ball Workout Videos
